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Mission

Fundraising Efforts
Festivus for FAIT is our annual flagship event each November, dedicated to raising funds and awareness for the FAIT Program, a cutting-edge food allergy research initiative based at the University of British Columbia. Since its inaugural event in 2023, Festivus for FAIT has brought together communities to support innovative treatments and ensure access for all families in British Columbia who need them. In 2024, funds raised helped launch a vital program easing the transition from pediatric to adult allergy care. Join us in November 2025 as we continue to advance food allergy treatment and research for a brighter, allergy-safe future.

Accolades &
Achievements
500+
Patients Treated
$60k
Raised
17
Sponsors
01
Patients Treated
In British Columbia and beyond, the demand for food allergy treatment is increasing, and innovative solutions to expand access to treatment in a cost-effective way are needed, including delivering treatment to patients living in remote areas, and patients from all socioeconomic backgrounds. The goal of the FAIT program is to bring food allergy treatment to all families in the province who desire it, as well as share our protocols more broadly across Canada and internationally.
The FAIT program is working towards a future where patients no longer have to worry about their food allergy, which will ultimately lead to improvements in quality of life, and prevention of anxiety, bullying, and social isolation.
Imagine after a few years of treatment in the FAIT program, a child with a previous near-fatal reaction to peanut can now safely eat a peanut butter sandwich without fear.

Fundraising Efforts
Festivus for FAIT is our annual flagship event each November, dedicated to raising funds and awareness for the FAIT Program, a cutting-edge food allergy research initiative based at the University of British Columbia. Since its inaugural event in 2023, Festivus for FAIT has brought together communities to support innovative treatments and ensure access for all families in British Columbia who need them. In 2024, funds raised helped launch a vital program easing the transition from pediatric to adult allergy care. Join us in November 2025 as we continue to advance food allergy treatment and research for a brighter, allergy-safe future.

03
Sponsors & Partners
The FAIT team has grown to include several allergists, a research manager, a program secretary, research nurses, and a research dietitian. In its short history, the FAIT program — in conjunction with national collaborators — has provided clear evidence of the safety and effectiveness of oral immunotherapy (OIT) in infants and preschoolers, and is undertaking similar work in the area of sublingual immunotherapy (SLIT) for older children and adolescents. It has also attracted academic allergist trainees from Hong Kong, Denmark, and Australia, who are interested in learning about the success of the FAIT program in B.C.

© 2024 by Canadian FAIT (Food Allergy Immunotherapy) Foundation
© 2024 by Canadian FAIT (Food Allergy Immunotherapy) Foundation
canadianfaitfoundation.org
© 2024 by Canadian FAIT (Food Allergy Immunotherapy) Foundation
© 2024 by Canadian FAIT (Food Allergy Immunotherapy) Foundation
canadianfaitfoundation.org
President
Daniel Sharp

Dan Sharp has been the CEO/Owner of Western Allergy for over 36 years. Western Allergy proudly supports Allergists in Canada with both diagnostic testing materials and bespoke allergy immunotherapy for their patients. Dan spearheaded the very first clinical trial of sublingual immunotherapy in North America over 20 years ago and is passionate about evidence driven emerging allergy treatments. His philanthropic work includes the BC Cancer Foundation, UVIC Alumni, The Victoria Symphony and numerous other groups, now including FAIT. Dan has 2 grown sons and lives in Victoria with his wife Pam and 2 gigantic goofy dogs. He speaks terrible French and Spanish.
Vice-President
Tim Lo

Tim Lo practised as a lawyer, patent & trade-mark agent for 20 years before retiring from the partnership of Smart & Biggar to become a stay at home dad to his 2 then pre-teen children. During his years of study at UBC, Tim was highly involved with the AMS, UBC's student society, including being elected as one of the society's executives. Tim remained involved with the UBC community after graduation, including stints on the board of the UBC Alumni Association and as a Convocation Senator. During his law practice, Tim held various committee positions with the International Trademark Association, contributed written materials to and taught courses for the Continuing Legal Education Society of BC, and was an adjunct professor at both UBC and UVic. Tim has recently joined the governance committee of the Dr Peter Centre.
Treasurer
Christian Sharp

Christian Sharp is an advocate for allergy awareness and innovative diagnostics, with a strong background in the pharmaceutical industry and entrepreneurship. With over six years at Western Allergy, a Canadian allergy pharmaceutical company and as President and Co-Owner of Sleep Hygienics Ltd., he has created niche veterinary medical device bedding. His work in allergy immunotherapy and diagnostics has established him as a trusted professional in healthcare. Holding an MBA and certifications in data analytics, digital marketing, and project management, Christian enhances allergy diagnostics and treatment through his comprehensive expertise.
Secretary
Katie Walsh

Katie Walsh is deeply engaged in raising awareness and providing support for food allergy research, inspired by her role as a parent of a FAIT program patient. With firsthand experience in navigating the challenges and benefits of food allergies and food allergy immunotherapy, Katie brings a personal and empathetic perspective to her advocacy work. Drawing from a background in early childhood development and child and youth care, Katie possesses a rich understanding of the needs and experiences of families and children. Her expertise extends to facilitating family support groups and offering parenting support, enabling her to address the diverse contexts and challenges faced by individual families.
Board Member
Kimberly Waines

Kimberly Waines began her nursing career in Hamilton, Ontario, where she trained as a registered nurse. She then moved to Arizona to further specialize in ICU Nursing at Desert Samaritan Hospital. Upon returning to Canada, Kimberly earned her Asthma Education Diploma from the National Asthma Training Centre in the UK, which led to her role as an asthma and allergy educator at the Asthma Allergy Teaching Unit in Vancouver. In 2000, Kimberly transitioned into the pharmaceutical industry, focusing on asthma and allergy treatment. She played a pivotal role in launching innovative medications in this field and has since served as a Medical Science Liaison specializing in allergy immunotherapy. Currently, Kimberly is a dedicated Board Member of the Canadian Allergy Asthma Immunotherapy Foundation.
Board Member
Patti Bacchus

Patti Bacchus is a passionate advocate for improved access to effective allergy treatments, drawing from her own experience with life-threatening food allergies as well as those of her two now-adult children. She is the longest-serving chair of the Vancouver School Board (2008–2014) and continues to contribute to the community through her involvement on various non-profit boards, including the Institute for Public Education (BC), and the Mayne Island Food Bank. She is also a former director on the board of the Broadbent Institute. Patti holds a degree in Political Science from the University of Victoria and a Journalism diploma from Langara College. Recognized for her leadership and impact, she has been named one of BC’s Top 100 Influential Women by The Vancouver Sun and has twice appeared on Vancouver Magazine’s “Power 50” list.
Research Advisor
Lianne Soller, PhD

Dr. Lianne Soller is the Allergy Research Manager at BC Children’s Hospital (BCCH). Dr. Soller manages a growing food allergy research team, including research nurses, research coordinators, a dietitian, and multiple trainees. Within the FAIT program, Dr. Soller leads several research initiatives including development and implementation of a safe food allergy treatment protocol for older children and adolescents, and continued work on food allergy associated anxiety in parents. Dr. Soller has published several important publications, including the first safety and effectiveness data for preschool peanut oral immunotherapy, and multi-food sublingual immunotherapy, in a real world setting.
Founding board members
Contact Us
Fill out our form or use the contact information below.
info@canadianfaitfoundation.org
1-866-335-5294
Registered Canadian Charity | CRA #74727 6756 RR0001
© 2025 by Canadian FAIT Foundation