A local volunteer’s effort to collect bottles and cans is making a major impact in the fight against Cystic Fibrosis.
Ron Dunville has been helping organize the bottle drive fundraiser for the Estevan Walk for CF for several years, raising awareness and funds for research into the genetic disease.
Dunville said he first became involved about 12 years ago after learning his grandson, Liam McIntyre, was born with cystic fibrosis. “My grandson was born with cystic fibrosis,” Dunville explained. “That’s when I got involved with the organization and started helping out with fundraising and awareness.”
A Personal Connection to the Cause
Cystic fibrosis is a progressive disease that affects the lungs and digestive system, often requiring daily treatments and medications.
Dunville said research and medical advancements have improved the outlook for many patients over the years, but continued support is still critical. “This is a disease that is fatal and has so many different mutations,” he said. “There have been new drugs developed in the last 10 years that have really helped the community, but it’s not a cure, and it doesn’t help everyone. The dollars go to research.”
Dunville added that newborn screening for cystic fibrosis is now standard across nearly all provinces, helping families receive diagnoses much earlier than in the past
Ron Dunville Pictured with 3 Granddaughters
Bottle Drive Started During the Pandemic
Dunville began organizing the bottle drive during the COVID-19 pandemic as a way for people to support the cause even if they were unable to donate money directly. “I thought it would be a great idea for those people who were struggling with funds at the time. They could at least help out by donating their recyclables,” he said. “The response was so good that I just continued doing it each year.”
Since launching the initiative, Dunville said the bottle drive has raised more than $110,000 for cystic fibrosis research.
Community support has played a major role in that success, with individuals and businesses regularly contributing their recyclables. “These recyclables do add up once you start collecting them,” he said. “One bag or ten bags, it’s very important.”
Estevan Walk for CF Set for May 31
The bottle drive helps support the annual Estevan Walk for CF, which will take place on May 31 this year.
The event typically includes a walk through the trails at Woodlawn Park, along with activities such as a barbecue and other opportunities for residents to come together and support the cause.
Dunville said last year’s event was the largest yet. “Our walk last year was the biggest one we’ve had,” he said. “We had about 90 people come out and walk the trails.”
He added that while cystic fibrosis is often not visible to others, it remains a serious condition for those living with it. “Cystic fibrosis is kind of a silent disease because you don’t always see it,” he said.
Continuing the Push for Research
While recent research has produced new medications that help some patients live longer and healthier lives, Dunville said continued fundraising is vital to eventually finding a cure. “They believe they’re getting closer,” he said. “Right now we’re finding drugs that help give people a better chance at a longer life.”
For Dunville, the motivation remains personal as he continues advocating for better treatments and awareness. “Hopefully one day we’ll find a cure,” he said.
