WHO WE ARE
About Miners for Cancer
The group started in 1996 when Allan Epps, then a General Foreman at Vale’s Frood Mine, and his best friend Wayne Tonelli, then a General Forman at Vale’s Garson Mine (now retired), began to organize inter-mine and inter-office hockey and baseball games as a way to get workers together in a social environment outside the workplace.
The games soon evolved into a small league and then a tournament, for which participants had to pay a small fee. Soon, extra funds started accumulating, so Epps and Tonelli decided to donate the extra funds to charity. Since cancer is a disease that has touched every participant’s life in some way, it was decided that the funds would be donated to cancer research, equipment and patient care in Northern Ontario.
Epps passed away in 2005 after a motorcycle accident, but Tonelli decided to continue to lead Miners for Cancer as a registered charitable organization in memory of his best friend.
Today, the hockey tournament is recognized as the ‘Allan Epps Memorial Hockey Challenge’ and Miners for Cancer has expanded into golf tournaments, curling bonspiels and galas. To date, this group of individuals has raised more than $1,000,000 for the cause.
The Board of Directors and its members who pride themselves on solely being volunteer-based, continue to work towards improving cancer care by funding innovative research that is making an impact on the world stage. These extremely motivated individuals have successfully fundraised hundreds of thousands of dollars that contribute directly towards finding a cure and improving the lives of those living with cancer through new equipment and vital patient care. Without the work of Miners for Cancer, nationally competitive research programs would not exist. We take pride in previously funding the Northern Cancer Foundation and currently supporting the efforts of Northern Ontario Families of Children with Cancer (NOFCC).
Since its inception, Miners for Cancer has worked with and continues to be supported by over 50 separate organizations and groups including mining companies, mining supply & service providers, labor unions, local non-mining related businesses, as well as local secondary and post-secondary schools - all of whom continue to be generously committed to Miners for Cancer’s cause – digging for a cure.
MEET THE TEAM
Co-Founder
Wayne Tonelli
Co-Founder of Miners for Cancer and a former President who devoted 30 years to building the organization and the trusted brand our community knows today. From the first fundraisers to today’s signature events, Wayne shaped the vision, voice, and volunteer culture that power our impact—growing sponsor partnerships, strengthening ties across the mining community, and keeping the focus on local families. A steady mentor and ambassador, he is known for turning big ideas into practical plans and for championing the values of integrity, transparency, and teamwork that continue to guide Miners for Cancer.
President
Denis Desforges
A cornerstone of the organization’s growth, having volunteered for 20+ years. A long-time employee of Sandvik—MfC’s first and longest-standing sponsor—Denis helped cultivate the partnership model that sustains our signature events and year-round support. He focuses on clear governance, measurable impact, and practical execution—aligning budgets, sponsorships, and volunteer capacity so each program delivers tangible results for families. Known for his steady judgment and deep community roots, Denis champions a culture where people feel welcome to pitch in, learn, and build on the legacy of those who started this work.
Vice President
Natasha Moore
stepping into the role in 2024 after more than a decade of committed volunteer service. An accomplished leader in the mining industry, Natasha is known for driving results, empowering teams, and building strong partnerships. She brings a strategic, hands-on approach to program delivery and fundraising—aligning goals, clarifying roles, and keeping momentum high so community support has maximum impact. Colleagues value her steady leadership, clear communication, and the drive that keeps our initiatives moving forward.
Board Member
Roger Coggins
An accomplished leader in the mining industry, Roger is known for driving results, mentoring teams, and building strong partnerships. He brings a practical, hands-on approach to program delivery and fundraising—coordinating logistics, aligning goals, and keeping momentum high so community support has maximum impact. Colleagues value his calm leadership, clear communication, and the steady follow-through that keeps our initiatives moving forward.
Board member/Secretary
Kenna Withers
Leads the Miners for Cancer Hockey Challenge — presented by SANDVIK. For nearly a decade, Kenna has kept our board operations organized and moving—managing records, timelines, and volunteer coordination—while channelling her sales background into fundraising strategy. She has a sharp eye for sponsorships, in-kind support, and audience engagement, helping secure prizes, fill seats, and elevate the guest experience. Known for her attention to detail and follow-through, Kenna turns community enthusiasm into tangible results for local patients and families.
Board Member
Linda Chirko
New to the board, she has supported MfC for years as a dedicated volunteer. Linda brings extensive experience from other local charities, adding practical know-how in donor engagement, guest services, and day-of logistics. Her warm presence and “pitch-in” mindset help create welcoming, well-run events that turn community generosity into real support for local families.
Treasurer
Colette Desforges
bringing more than a decade of volunteer service to the role she assumed in 2019. A seasoned people leader who manages remote teams across Canada, Colette combines financial rigour with a practical, on-the-ground understanding of our community work. She champions transparent stewardship, efficient budgeting, and clear processes that help every donation go further. Colleagues know her for calm leadership and the strength and organization that keep our programs moving
Donations Coordinator
Hunter Lavallee
A young professional in the mining industry, Hunter has been involved with MFC since 2021 and quickly became the engine behind our silent auctions and raffles—sourcing, securing, and personally picking up prizes and donations from generous community partners. He blends fresh energy with a strong network of contacts, managing outreach, logistics, and donor stewardship so every contribution makes an impact. Known for his drive and reliability, Hunter helps transform local goodwill into funds that support patients and families across our community.
Board Member
Phil Perras
has dedicated his entire career to the mining industry and more than 20 years to volunteering with Miners for Cancer, where his commitment to community engagement and giving back has made a lasting impact. Known for his steady presence, hands-on approach, and deep respect for Northern Ontario’s mining roots, Phil has been instrumental in organizing events, strengthening partnerships, and ensuring every initiative stays true to Miners for Cancer’s mission — that all money raised in the North stays in the North. His decades of service reflect both his professional pride and his personal dedication to helping others, making him a valued ambassador for the organization and a trusted voice within the community he’s helped support for over two decades.
Board Member
Rob Ferrucci
A local entrepreneur and sponsor for more than two decades, Rob brings the energy and showmanship of the hospitality world to every fundraiser. Drawing on years of running successful bar and restaurant operations, he helps shape guest experience, beverage service, and event flow—optimizing everything from licensing and vendor relations to staffing and hospitality. With deep community connections and a knack for making events memorable, Rob turns support into meaningful results for the patients and families we serve.
Board Member
Mackenzie Coggins
leading the modernization of our website and bringing fundraising initiatives online. With a background in the financial sector, she pairs analytical rigor with practical execution—rolling out secure online donations, ticketing, and streamlined reporting that make it easier for supporters to give. Mackenzie is known for fresh ideas, enthusiasm, and a collaborative approach that turns strategy into simple, user-friendly digital experiences that expand our reach and impact.