HISTORY
and Founders

HISTORY

2020

In 2020, people living with ALS including Greg Gowe (BC), Deane Gorsline (ON), Rick Wilson (BC), Bill Duff (NS), Kerry Winkler (BC), Jody Pressman (ON), Rony Podolski (ON) and Shelly Hines (NS) took the first steps toward a truly cross-Canada patient-led movement.

2021

In June 2021 the ALS Action Canada Society was incorporated under the BC Society’s Act, with Deanne, Rick and Greg as the first Directors. ALS Action Canada became a registered charity on May 10, 2023.

2023

By 2023, ALS Action Canada fundraising was increasingly driven by former NHLer and Board Director Mark Kirton. Mark's dream was to get everyone playing on the same team to end ALS. He wanted to raise funds for a growing movement, supporting ALL organizations pursuing the same goals. This evolution from charity to movement led to the creation of the ALS Super Fund - North America's only fund that supports all organizations and researchers working to end ALS. The unique nature of the Super Fund and Mark Kirton's connections and charisma ultimately produced a transformative partnership with the NHL and 32 clubs through the Courage to Fight campaign. It is through this continued courage that ALS Action Canada now has a powerful two-pronged approach to increasing momentum on ALS: ALS Action Canada as the platform for patient voice, leading the ALS Super Fund alongside it to mobilize supporters to fuel the solutions.

THE PEOPLE

MEET MARK KIRTON

Mark Kirton (1958–2025), who lived courageously with ALS since 2018 and served as a dedicated board member of ALS Action Canada, was a driving force in national awareness and advocacy. Even as he faced the challenges of ALS, his leadership inspired the NHL community and countless supporters—including Wayne Gretzky, Darryl Sittler, Wendel Clark and others—to take action. His legacy endures through the unprecedented partnership of all 32 NHL teams united to fight ALS and fund vital research.

INSPIRATION & LEGACY

Inspired by Mark Kirton

Co-founded by Mark Kirton, who lived courageously with ALS, the ALS Super Fund is rooted in his vision of patient-led advocacy, national collaboration, and meaningful action toward ending ALS.