PROUD TO SUPPORT SIMONNE DURETTE – RECIPIENT FOR 2ND QUARTER 2020

100Brokers • June 25, 2020

100Brokers Members voted and we are very pleased to announce that we will be sending a cheque in the amount of $2,500 to Simonne Durette, Recipient of the 2nd Quarter vote of 2020.

Originally born in Manitoba, Simonne Durette is a First Nations young woman who was raised in foster care, and by family members. Sadly, her Mother was not capable of parenting her due to drug and alcohol addiction. Simonne has taken care of her grandmother, who has dementia, every day for the past 13 years, giving up many adolescent activities out of love for the one person she feels deeply bonded with. Simonne was diagnosed with FAS (Fetal Alcohol Syndrome) as a child and struggled with learning throughout elementary and high school, alongside dealing with many traumas. And yet, she overcame these obstacles graduating from high school when she was 18.

Simonne has struggled with FAS & many major traumas throughout her life, being abandoned by her Mom, and living in foster care. Going to college to study animation is her dream yet she does not have the financial resources to achieve this dream.

Thank you to Laura MacCormack for bringing this Cause to our attention.

Nomination Story
Simonne and I met when she was just 9 years old through Big Sisters of BC Lower Mainland mentor program. Originally born in Manitoba, she is a First Nations young woman who was raised in foster care, and by family members. Sadly, her Mother was not capable of parenting her due to drug and alcohol addiction. She took care of her grandmother, who has dementia, every day for the past 13 years, giving up many adolescent activities out of love for the one person she feels deeply bonded with. Simonne was diagnosed with FAS (Fetal Alcohol Syndrome) as a child and struggled with learning throughout elementary and high school, alongside dealing with many traumas. And yet, she overcame these obstacles graduating from high school when she was 18.

She is now 22 years old and just moved out on her own for the very first time. With everything she was dealt in life, she could have gone down a very different path but Simonne has a beautiful heart and generous spirit, she continues to grow and learn every day. An incredible artist she dreams of going to art school to study animation and have a career in this field. She would be the first person in her family to go to college and it would be an incredible accomplishment. Unfortunately, Simonne does not have the support of her First Nations band financially as she has grown up in BC and her band is through her father who she does not know. She has no financial support to go to school and is currently on government disability assistance. This award would encourage her to take the next big step in her growth and realize her dreams. I am determined to see her life turn around and for her to have the opportunities so many of us take for granted.

Simonne is my Little Sister in the Big Sister program. She has struggled with FAS & many major traumas throughout her life, being abandoned by her Mom, and living in foster care. Going to college to study animation is her dream yet she does not have the financial resources to achieve this dream.

< Older Post Newer Post >

PROUD TO SUPPORT Chico-Battling Cancer RECIPIENT EASTERN 2nd QUARTER 2026

May 9, 2026

Brokers Who Care voted and we are pleased to announce that we will be sending a cheque in the amount of $10,000 to Chico - Battling Cancer our Recipient of the 2nd Quarter 2026 vote. Thank you Rosa Bovino for bringing this Cause to our attention. Chico is a loving husband and father who has always given back to his community, family, and friends. His life changed unexpectedly when he suffered a sudden seizure and was diagnosed with an inoperable brain tumor. His family has stood by his side through every challenge, and he has been unable to work due to his condition. Despite exhausting all conventional treatment options, there is still hope. Optune Gio is a device that could slow the tumor's growth and give Chico more precious time with his loved ones. However, the cost of this life-extending treatment is overwhelming, and his family urgently needs support to afford it. Chico's journey has been incredibly tough, but the community has rallied around him. Your support, no matter the size, will go directly toward his care, easing the financial burden on his family during this difficult time. Together, we can help Chico access the treatment he needs and allow him to focus on what matters most—spending time with the people he loves. Thank you for your kindness and generosity during this critical time.

PROUD TO SUPPORT Lawson Needs Our Help RECIPIENT WESTERN 2nd QUARTER 2026

By Brokers Who Care • May 9, 2026

Brokers Who Care voted and we are pleased to announce that we will be sending a cheque in the amount of $10,000 to Lawson-Needs Our Help our Recipient of the 1st Quarter 2026 vote. Thank you Emily Miszk for bringing this Cause to our attention. About a year ago, what appeared to be a routine illness became a life-threatening crisis. Lawson developed massive blood clots, and during a procedure, his heart stopped. He went without oxygen for up to 45 minutes and required CPR and ECMO life support to survive. Against incredible odds, Lawson is still here. He is now off life support, but he sustained significant brain injury. His recovery requires ongoing, intensive therapy, specialized care, and long-term medical support. Before this, Lawson was an active, sports-loving kid, often found at the rink supporting his older brother Cooper—a team captain who continues to show remarkable strength and leadership through it all. Today, Lawson’s family is navigating time away from work, ongoing medical travel, and the emotional and financial weight of rebuilding their lives around his recovery. Your vote is more than financial support—it’s access to therapy, care, and the opportunity for Lawson to reach his fullest potential. Lawson has already shown incredible strength. With our support, his story can continue to be one of resilience, progress, and hope.

PROUD TO SUPPORT Let's Cure Lucas RECIPIENT EASTERN 1st QUARTER 2026

By Brokers Who Care • February 16, 2026

Brokers Who Care voted and we are pleased to announce that we will be sending a cheque in the amount of $10,000 to Let's Cure Lucas - Fighting an Ultra-Rare Genetic Disease our Recipient of the 1st Quarter 2026 vote. Thank you Rocco Mongelli for bringing this Cause to our attention. Lucas Azevedo is a four-year-old with an ultra-rare gene variant affecting the RBM28 gene—a condition so rare that only one other child in the world has been discovered with it. This disease is currently unnamed and has no cure, but his smile and spirit inspire everyone around him. Lucas lives with significant physical challenges. His ultra-rare gene variant affects all four of his limbs, his balance and coordination, his speech, his oral strength, and much more. His muscles are both tight and fragile, making even the simplest movements a challenge against gravity itself. Nothing happens automatically for him—every movement requires intention, strength, and support. The RBM28 variant affects his cerebellum, the area of the brain vital for coordinating voluntary movements, balance, posture, and motor learning. While there is currently no cure, gene therapy has been developed and has proven successful in stopping progression for many ultra-rare diseases. Lucas's family is hopeful about ongoing research and potential breakthroughs. In the meantime, Lucas works incredibly hard six days a week undergoing physiotherapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy, swallowing therapy, and hydrotherapy to build strength and independence. His goal is to walk independently, run, jump, and ride a bike. Your support directly funds the therapies and care that allow Lucas to keep fighting and growing stronger. Together, we can help this remarkable little boy achieve his dreams and contribute to the research that may one day lead to a cure. Thank you for standing with Lucas and his family in this urgent fight.