Arthritis Society Canada is a nationwide health charity that supports the funding of research into the causes, diagnosis, and treatment of all who suffer from arthritis. With the support of donors and volunteers, Arthritis Society Canada supports the 6 million Canadians who currently live with arthritis, while also working to eradicate this chronic disease. We spoke with Carleen Pauliuk, Vice President of Western Canada of Arthritis Society Canada, to learn more.
Describe your charity/non-profit/volunteer work in a few sentences.
Arthritis Society Canada represents the six million people (1 in 4 women and 1 in 6 men, or 20% of everyone you know) in Canada living with arthritis today, and the millions more who are impacted or at risk. Fueled by the trust and support of our donors and volunteers, Arthritis Society Canada is fighting arthritis with research, advocacy, innovation, information and support.
What problem does it aim to solve?
With 1 in 5 people in Canada affected, the pain of arthritis is felt everywhere, including an estimated financial impact of $33 billion annually in healthcare expenses and indirect costs such as lost workdays. We are Canada’s largest charitable funder of cutting-edge arthritis research and programs. We will not give up our efforts until everyone is free from the agony of arthritis.
When did you start/join it?
February 2023.
What made you want to get involved?
Coming from a healthcare charity background, I was unaware of the profound impact arthritis has on people’s lives. Like many, I assumed arthritis only affected the elderly, but then I learned that in Canada, arthritis is more common than diabetes, heart disease, cancer, stroke, and dementia combined, and it can affect anyone at any age. In fact, one-third of people with arthritis are diagnosed before 45, and as many as 25,000 children have arthritis.
Arthritis is often an invisible disease, so you might not even realize someone around you is living with chronic and debilitating pain in silence. I wanted to increase awareness about this devastating disease and help raise critical funds to make a difference.
Now, I have the privilege of working with communities across Western Canada, driving change and supporting those living with arthritis every day.
What was the situation like when you started?
When I first got involved, the severity of arthritis was not well-known across Western Canada. Many people—including myself—didn’t fully understand the impact of the disease or how it affects people beyond joint pain. There were many misconceptions around arthritis, specifically the myth that it is “just an older person’s disease”. In reality, arthritis can affect anyone, from infants to young professionals, pregnant women, and even athletes. Not many people recognized the urgency of supporting arthritis research, advocacy, and patient care, and the true cost of arthritis was overlooked. Despite being a leading cause of workplace disability and its growing prevalence – approximately 900,000 people in British Columbia alone live with arthritis, and without action now, that number will grow to 1.1 million by 2040 – and it wasn’t receiving the attention it deserved.
How has it changed since?
We’ve made tremendous progress, but there’s still a long road ahead. We continue to educate, engage, and rally support so that people living with arthritis don’t have to suffer in silence. Every conversation, every event, and every partnership brings us closer to a world where arthritis is understood, properly treated, and no longer dismissed. It is with the support of like-minded donors, visionaries and investors that progress is possible and a future without arthritis isn’t just a dream.
What more needs to be done?
Despite being the most common chronic health condition in Canada, arthritis is understudied, underfunded and undervalued. It is an urgent health concern in need of immediate action. We must change the narrative and continue to push the envelope on traditional thinking as we fearlessly explore ideas that bring transformational impact to the arthritis community across Canada.
How can our readers help?
GIVE BACK: Make a donation to provide life-changing programs and advance groundbreaking research that will bring us closer to a cure.
PARTICIPATE: Attend one of our fundraising events across the country or start your own Move Your Way fundraiser to help support the six million people in Canada living with arthritis.
VOLUNTEER: We offer various volunteer opportunities in virtually all aspects of our work including advocacy, innovation, leadership, program and digital services, research and special events and fundraising.
Visit our website to learn more.
Do you have any events coming up?
Yes! Join us at Arthritis Fire Ball Vancouver, featuring an unforgettable performance by our ambassadors and Juno-winning vocal group, The Tenors. Taking place on Saturday, May 3 at Fairmont Waterfront, this year we’re raising funds to support the millions of people in our workforce whose lives and livelihoods are impacted by arthritis. There are several ways to get involved:
-Sponsorship opportunities to showcase your brand
-Make a philanthropic donation towards our “Arthritis Fire Ball: Thriving at Work with Arthritis” Funding Case
-Attend the gala and experience an incredible evening
-Contribute a silent auction item to make a meaningful impact
Where can we follow you?
Instagram | LinkedIn | Facebook | Website
PAY IT FORWARD: What is an awesome local charity that you love?
As a third-generation White Rock resident, I’m deeply committed to my community and proud to serve on the board of Sources Community Resource Society. Sources provides essential programs that support individuals and families in need, strengthening the fabric of our region. I’ve seen firsthand the positive impact these initiatives have on people’s lives, from food security to mental health support. Being part of this work is incredibly meaningful, and I’m honoured to contribute to its continued success.
