The Heather Cutler Foundation is a federally incorporated non-profit organization based in Mount Pearl, Newfoundland and Labrador. Founded by Heather’s family after experiencing firsthand the challenges of navigating pancreatic cancer care, the Foundation is driven by a commitment to real change rather than bureaucracy. The leadership includes advocates and professionals with deep ties to their community and a passion for healthcare reform.
Values
- Equity We believe that access to life-saving care should not be determined by geography or postal code. Our work is focused on closing the gaps in Canada’s healthcare system, especially for those in smaller provinces and rural areas.
- Action We are proactive, mobilizing public support, calling on government leaders, and pushing for policy changes that directly impact pancreatic cancer patients.
- Empowerment We equip patients and families with the knowledge, resources, and self-advocacy tools needed to navigate complex healthcare systems.
- Community We foster a supportive network, sharing lessons learned and practical tips to help others facing similar challenges.
- Transparency and Compassion Inspired by Heather’s legacy as a nurse and caregiver, we prioritize clear communication, empathy, and genuine support for those affected by pancreatic cancer.
Whom We Serve
- Canadians diagnosed with pancreatic cancer, especially those in underserved regions.
- Families and caregivers navigating the complexities of treatment and support.
- Healthcare professionals and advocates seeking to improve outcomes and close systemic gaps.
What We Do
- Provide up-to-date, accessible information on pancreatic cancer, treatment options, and clinical trials.
- Advocate for healthcare reform, including better access to somatic testing and clinical trials.
- Offer practical resources and support to reduce delays and improve patient outcomes.
- Mobilize community action through campaigns, petitions, and public awareness initiatives.
- Develop educational materials and launch programs like podcasts and starter packs to inform and empower the pancreatic cancer community.
- Engage in fundraising to support research and patient services, and collaborate with national and international partners, including the World Pancreatic Cancer Coalition.
Get Involved
Volunteers, guest authors, and partners are welcomed to join the Foundation’s efforts—whether through direct service, campaign support, or sharing personal experiences to inspire and inform others.
Gratitude Donor Stewardship Volunteer
The Heather Cutler Foundation is seeking a thoughtful, reliable Gratitude & Donor Stewardship Volunteer to help us acknowledge and celebrate the generosity of our donors, sponsors, and community supporters. In this role, you’ll craft meaningful thank-you messages, coordinate acknowledgments, and help us build long-term relationships grounded in care—not just transactions.
If you have a warm writing voice, strong organizational skills, and a passion for recognizing the people behind the support, this is your chance to make a deep, lasting impact.
Why Join Us?
We don’t take support for granted. Every donation, every sponsorship, every shared post is a choice—and we believe those choices deserve thoughtful recognition. At The Heather Cutler Foundation, stewardship isn’t a “nice-to-have”—it’s a core part of how we operate.
As our Gratitude & Donor Stewardship Volunteer, you’ll help make sure everyone who supports our work feels genuinely seen, thanked, and appreciated—whether it’s a first-time $10 donor or a local business backing an event.
Responsibilities
- Craft Personalized Thank-Yous Write donor thank-you messages (emails, letters, or social media shout-outs) that reflect our tone—compassionate, honest, and human.
- Coordinate Acknowledgment Timelines Ensure all donors, sponsors, and community partners are acknowledged within a timely window and in the appropriate format.
- Track Contributions & Engagement Work with the CRM assistant or fundraising lead to track donor touchpoints and ensure follow-up communications (e.g., event invitations, milestone updates).
- Seasonal & Campaign Recognition Support creative ways to recognize donors during key campaigns (e.g., digital thank-you walls, postcards, seasonal newsletters, spotlight stories).
- Maintain Gratitude Logs Keep clear records of sent acknowledgments, messages pending, and donor preferences (e.g., private vs. public recognition).
Qualifications
- Warm, Thoughtful Communicator — Able to write heartfelt messages that feel genuine, not templated.
- Organized & Reliable — Able to manage acknowledgment timelines, names, and records without dropping the ball.
- Tone-Sensitive — Understands how to reflect gratitude in a way that feels personal and aligned with our Foundation’s voice.
- Collaborative — Works well with the fundraising and communications teams to align tone and messaging.
- Mission-Driven — Passion for showing appreciation to those helping us build a better future for Canadians affected by pancreatic cancer.
- Digital Comfort — Familiar with using email platforms, shared documents, and CRMs (or open to learning).
Role Details
- Location: Remote (Canada-based preferred)
- Time Commitment: ~2–4 hours/week
- Employment Type: Volunteer
- Start Date: As soon as possible
- Duration: 3-month minimum preferred
- Supervised by: Founder & Fundraising Lead
Organization Description
The Heather Cutler Foundation is a Canadian nonprofit that exists to transform how we advocate for, treat, and support people facing pancreatic cancer. Founded in memory of Heather—a registered nurse whose experience revealed the gaps in our system—we focus on equity, urgency, and human connection. Our supporters are an essential part of this work, and it’s our responsibility to thank them with the same care we bring to every corner of our mission.
Keywords
Donor Stewardship Volunteer | Nonprofit Gratitude Role | Pancreatic Cancer Advocacy | Supporter Engagement | Remote Volunteer | Fundraising Support Canada | Heartfelt Communication | The Heather Cutler Foundation