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In this feature, you will find general information about Celine´s other activities related with charity, specifically about the Cystic Fibrosis Canada. For more details about Celine´s other activities related with charity, please refer to CELINE DION FOUNDATION section; HÔPITAL SAINTE-JUSTINE section; or OTHER CAUSES section.
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THE FOUNDATION
The Cystic Fibrosis Canada, formerly the Canadian Cystic Fibrosis Foundation (CCFF), is a Canada-wide health charity established in 1960, with volunteers in more than 50 chapters across Canada. Celine became the National Celebrity Patron for Cystic Fibrosis Canada. In 2010, Cystic Fibrosis Canada celebrated its 50th Anniversary. Cystic Fibrosis Canada´s mandate is to help individuals with cystic fibrosis, principally by funding cystic fibrosis research and care. The organization also provides educational materials for the cystic fibrosis community and the general public; undertakes advocacy initiatives with, and on behalf of Canadians with cystic fibrosis, and raises funds to supports its programs. Cystic Fibrosis Canada is one of the world´s largest non-governmental granting agencies in the field of cystic fibrosis research. Cystic Fibrosis Canada raises funds in order to promote public awareness and support research and high-quality cystic fibrosis care.
...> Celine´s Engagement
Celine began promoting public awareness of cystic fibrosis back in 1982. Since those early days of her career, Celine´s commitment to the CF cause has remained a constant part of her life. That commitment is marked by real life tragedy. Celine was in the room when her niece, Karine, succumbed to the disease at the age of 16. Celine began supporting the CF cause at the regional level by collaborating with the Cystic Fibrosis Quebec (CFQ) - the Foundation´s provincial arm in Quebec. She helped spread the CF message by participating in media interviews, CFQ public service campaigns and fundraising activities.
[ Celine, her mother Thérèse, her sister Liette and her niece Karine ]
In May 1993, Céline´s niece, Karine, her sister Liette´s daughter lost her battle against cystic fibrosis and went out slowly in the arms of her aunt Celine, at the age of 16. The lucidity, the determination and the courage shown by Karine throughout her endless fight against the disease represented a source of motivation and inspiration for Celine. For all the Quebeckers, Celine and Karine symbolized the fight of the Canadian Cystic Fibrosis Fondation and all the patients that she represents against this terrible disease. Celine interpreted several songs, dedicated to her niece, "Mélanie" and "Vole" ("Fly" in English on the album "Falling Into You").
[ Celine and her niece Karine through the years ]
In August of 1993, Celine strengthened her commitment by graciously accepting the Foundation´s invitation to be its national Celebrity Patron. As part of her increased involvement, Celine participated in the Foundation´s Canada-wide public awareness campaign, from 1994 to 1997. The central message of this campaign (featuring Celine and Chanelle Lemieux Lecavalier, a child with CF from Hull, PQ) was one of both hope and urgency. Hope, that a cure or an effective control for cystic fibrosis will be found. Urgency, for continued public support is required to realize this goal. "Against the cystic fibrosis: the wonderful cure, it is YOU", said Celine.
In addition to promoting public awareness of the CF cause, Celine generates significant revenues for cystic fibrosis research and treatment from Canadian and international sources, and has generously donated to the Foundation her appearance fees from several concerts and guest appearances. In 1996, Celine helped the Foundation to secure an important new sponsorship with Royal Airlines.
...> Highlights
Below is the list of the highlights of Celine´s volunteer support to the CF cause over the years.
- 1982
Celine accepts the title of "Marraine" of the Quebec Cystic Fibrosis Association (QCFA).
- 1983
Accompanied by the Orchestre Métropolitain du Grand-Montréal, Celine gives her first solo benefit concert at the Place des Arts in Montreal, Canada.
- 1984
Celine records her first televised CF public service announcement with her niece, Karine.
- 1985
Celine participates in a benefit gala, in Ottawa, Canada following a special game between the Montreal Canadiens and the Edmonton Oilers.
- 1986
Celine´s song "Mélanie", which has come to be associated with cystic fibrosis, wins many prestigious awards.
- 1987
Celine records a public service announcement with Caroline Pazzy, who has cystic fibrosis.
- 1988
Celine gives a benefit concert for cystic fibrosis at the CÉGEP Édouard-Montpetit and the Polyvalente André-Laurendeau in Saint-Hubert, Quebec, Canada.
- 1989
Celine chairs two important press conferences: in August, the announcement of the discovery of the gene responsible for cystic fibrosis; and in September, the first double lung transplant in Quebec on a patient with CF.
- 1990
Celine participates in a televised benefit gala for CF "A Gift Of Love", organized by Mrs. Mila Mulroney and featuring David Foster, Christopher Plummer, and many other celebrities. Celine also records a public service announcement for the QCFA´s 1990 fundraising campaign. She acts as spokesperson for the first Quebec-wide fundraising draw supporting CF research.
- 1991
Celine records a video public service announcement for the 1991 QCFA´s campaign. To mark the 10th Anniversary of her career and of her volunteer work for the QCFA, she gives a benefit concert at the Montreal Forum and the Agora de Québec.
- 1993
In May, Celine´s niece, Karine, loses her fight against cystic fibrosis and dies in Celine´s presence. In August, Celine agrees to expand her role in the CF community, by accepting the position of Celebrity Patron of the Canadian Cystic Fibrosis Foundation.
- 1994
Celine participates with Chanelle Lemieux Lecavalier, a nine-year old with CF from Hull, Quebec, in the Foundation´s national public awareness campaign. In December, Celine performs a CF benefit concert at Montreal´s Palais des Congrès. On the occasion of their wedding, Celine and Rene Angelil invite guests to contribute their wedding gifts to the CF cause.
- 1996
On December 10, Celine performs a CF benefit concert at a gala dinner at Montreal´s Palais des Congrès. During this concert, she announces a major new sponsorship with Royal Airlines that she personally helped to secure for the Canadian CF Foundation.
- 1997
Celine very generously donates her appearance fees from a New York City concert, and from her guest appearance on the television show, "The Nanny", to the Foundation´s SPARX program.
- 1998
On April 30, Celine receives the title of "Officer of the Order of Quebec". One day later, she receives the title of "Officer of the Order of Canada". On September 6, Celine performs a benefit concert in Toronto, Canada raising almost one million dollars for CF research. She appears on the 100th episode of the television program "Touched By An Angel". Her appearance fee for this episode is donated to the Foundation.
- 1999
Celine performs a benefit concert in Palm Beach, Florida, USA for the CF cause. Part of the proceeds are donated to the Canadian Cystic Fibrosis Foundation. Celine also agrees to wear a pair of diamond-studded Ray-Ban sunglasses to the Academy Awards, in exchange for a contribution to the Canadian Cystic Fibrosis Foundation. On December 31, Celine performs a benefit concert in Montreal for several causes, including cystic fibrosis. It is her last concert before her sabbatical leave from the professional scene.
- 2000 to 2001
Celine and her manager and husband, Rene, take a leave from their professional duties. However, they remain strong supporters of the CF cause, and continue to represent a constant source of hope and inspiration for all individuals and families affected by cystic fibrosis.
- 2001 to 2002
In 2001, the "Celine Rose" is introduced with one dollar from the sale of each rose bush going to the Canadian Cystic Fibrosis Foundation. The rose is sold in Quebec nurseries and garden centres in 2001. Distribution expands internationally in 2002.
- 2002
Celine returns to public life. A portion of a significant donation made by Celine and Rene to the Foundation in 2000 is steered towards the Special Research Initiative in Memory of Michael O´Reilly.
- 2003 to 2004
Celine and Rene Angelil continue their significant support for the Foundation´s work. The couple designate the Breathe (Basic Research and Therapy) program for the remaining portion of a gift made in 2000, and pledge further support for this important initiative that will target the basic defect in cystic fibrosis through the development of novel therapeutic approaches.
- 2003 to 2007
Celine donates tickets to her Las Vegas show "A New Day...", created by Dragone at the Colosseum of the Caesars Palace to be used as fundraisers by the Canadian Cystic Fibrosis Foundation.
- 2005 to 2006
Celine writes the foreword for the Canadian edition of Heather Summerhayes Cariou´s book, "Sixtyfive Roses". A portion of the proceeds are donated to the Canadian Cystic Fibrosis Foundation.
- 2006
Celine holds a golf tournament on her private course. She donates $500,000 to support the work of the Canadian Cystic Fibrosis Foundation.
- 2007
Celine writes the foreword for the US edition of Heather Summerhayes Cariou´s book, "Sixtyfive Roses: A Sister´s Memoir". A portion of the proceeds are donated to the Canadian Cystic Fibrosis Foundation and the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation in the USA.
- 2008
Celine writes the foreword for Andy Lipman´s book, "The Drive At 35: Cystic Fibrosis Takes A Backseat". A donation, from the proceeds, is made to the Canadian Cystic Fibrosis Foundation.
- 2008 to 2009
Celine donates tickets to the North American performances of her "Taking Chances World Tour", and provides autographed copies of her most recently released CD, "My Love: Ultimate Essential Collection" to raise funds to support the work of the Canadian Cystic Fibrosis Foundation.
- 2009
The Foundation received a generous gift from the Celine Dion Foundation. The donation was Celine´s appearance fee for a television campaign for a Quebec-based restaurant chain.
- 2010
In honour of the Foundation´s 50th Anniversary, Celine provided a personal message and a special gift to over 250 of the Foundation´s volunteers, partners and donors attending a special gala held in Ottawa, Canada on April 30.
- 2011
In August, Celine and Rene received the Cystic Fibrosis Canada´s "Hall Of Fame" award at a ceremony in Las Vegas, USA. Their ongoing support represents a source of hope and inspiration for all individuals and families affected by cystic fibrosis.
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