Who We Are

Purpose and Background

The Canadian Retinoblastoma Society (CRBS) is a registered charity run by a team of committed volunteers for the benefit of Canadians affected by retinoblastoma. Our roots go back to the 1980s and 1990s and the Retinoblastoma Family Association of Toronto.

In 2001, the organization widened its scope nationally and was renamed the Canadian Retinoblastoma Society. The CRBS was officially incorporated on November 21st 2002, and has been a registered charity since February 10, 2003.

Genevieve Savoie started serving as President in 2020. Our current Board has five members, four of whom have a personal connection to Retinoblastoma. A new strategic plan was developed under this new leadership team as a way to direct activities and ensure consistent activity and ‘institutional memory’ into the future.

Mission

The mission of the CRBS is to provide education, advocacy and peer support to Canadians touched by Retinoblastoma (RB).

Vision

A supportive and safe community for everyone touched by RB in Canada.

Values

CRBS values are expressed by the acronym REACT

Relevance – CRBS resources and programming should be relevant and have tangible impact

Empowerment – Enable community members to advocate for their unique needs

Accessibility – CRBS services should be available for life and ‘meet individuals where they are’

Community-oriented – All activities should reflect the needs/wants of the RB community

Trust – We must be trustworthy and speak authentically to and for those touched by RB