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The Fredericton Chapter of the Crohn's and Colitis Foundation of Canada (CCFC) has launched its Get Gutsy Campaign to recruit new volunteers to help raise funds for research into the cause and cure of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).

"Whether people are life-long volunteers or have never volunteered before, we are asking them to Get Gutsy and Get Involved," said Tracy Durkee-Jones, regional director for the Crohn's and Colitis Foundation of Canada's Maritime Region.

"Volunteers are the heart and soul of the CCFC. Their participation supports research in inflammatory bowel disease and provides important community-based education programs for IBD patients, their families, and health professionals. There is a lot of work to do, and we need volunteers in Fredericton to provide people in this community with the resources they need."

Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis, the two most frequently diagnosed inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD), are painful chronic diseases, causing the intestines to become inflamed, form ulcers, bleed and scar. More than 200,000 Canadians of all ages, including a growing number of children under 15 years of age, are affected by IBD.

Information on volunteering with the foundation is available on the CCFC website at www.ccfc.ca, including: a list of position openings, along with a description of the skill/type of personality best suited to it; and profiles and photos of current volunteers. Questions and concerns can be e-mailed directly to the local CCFC representative. And those who do not have online access, or prefer to speak directly to someone, can call Tracy Durkee-Jones at (902) 422-8137 or toll free 1-800-265-1101. The CCFC is committed to training and supporting its volunteers so they will reap maximum rewards from their involvement. All new volunteers are invited to attend free education symposiums.

CCFC will be hosting a Get Gutsy Get Involved open house on Inflammatory Bowel Disease and the CCFC on Thursday, Nov 2, from 7-9:30 p.m. at the Auxiliary Theatre, Dr. Everett Chalmers Regional Hospital.