Anne's 'professional life' turns to charities and other commitments
Retired from show business but not from life, Anne says, "I'm finding my way in
my retirement."
"I will not sing again in public," she states with conviction. "There is absolutely no
chance because I'm retired from show business and that's the end of that part of my life.
That work is done, but I will continue with my charitable involvement and other
commitments."
To most Canadians, Anne's "commitments" would resemble a full-time job!
Anne Murray Charity Golf Classic
Supporting Colon Cancer Canada, for example, is particularly near and dear to her heart.
While immersed in writing and editing her autobiography, Anne came up for air…and public
appearances like the 1st annual Anne Murray Charity Golf Classic in support of Colon Cancer
Canada in May 2009. That event attracted 185 golfers and raised $150,000. (For more on
Colon Cancer Canada, go to
www.coloncancercanada.ca.)
In May 2010, the 2nd annual Anne Murray Charity Golf Classic raised an astounding
$165,000, as well as awareness of the importance of early detection of colorectal
cancer. The event was sponsored by Pentax Medical Company, a leader in endoscopic
imaging technologies. Adding their star power to the message and fundraising were
hockey legend Darryl Sittler, singer/songwriters Jann Arden and Tom Cochrane, and
the event's emcee, CTV Olympic host Brian Williams.
"We just had a ball!" Anne beams with obvious satisfaction. "It was a great day with
a great vibe. Jann took the stage with the auctioneer on a couple of occasions for
the fundraiser that night, and she was her usual outrageous self. She was hilarious!"
(The 3rd annual Anne Murray Charity Golf Classic will be held at Angus Glen Golf
Club in Markham, Ontario, on Tuesday, May 17, 2011.)
Also in 2009, Anne accepted the invitation to be one of several high-profile board members
of the TELUS Atlantic Community Board. She continues that role today. Led by General Rick Hillier,
the board allocates funding to innovative programs which involve worthy, non-profit organizations, particularly directed towards youth throughout Atlantic Canada. (For more information, go to
http://about.telus.com/community/en/boards/)
Anne Murray Centre
20 year Anniversary
The Anne Murray Centre in Anne's hometown of Springhill, Nova Scotia, remains another important
non-profit association to which she lends her name and financial support. While enjoying most of the
summer season at her Nova Scotia cottage, Anne attends anniversary celebrations and other events at
the centre that was established to help boost the local economy. Stop in and check out her 2010
contribution: the gorgeous winter-white pantsuit that she wore as a proud Canadian Olympic
flagbearer for the 2010 Winter Olympics Opening Ceremonies in Vancouver.
Canada's Walk of Fame
Somewhere on Anne's professional "To-Do" list, she had made a mental note to find
time to accept her Canada's Walk of Fame award in person. She had not attended the
original presentation ceremony in the event's inaugural year, 1998. The opportunity
came in September 2009, when she was invited to host the 12th Annual Walk of Fame
Tribute held in Toronto and televised on Global and SLICE. The 2009 inductees included:
Blue Rodeo, Kim Cattrall, Tom Cochrane, Dsquared2, Howie Mandel, Robert Munsch, Chantal
Petitclerc and Raymond Burr.
A strong supporter of higher education, Anne received an Honorary Doctor of Law degree
from the University of Prince Edward Island in May 2009. Her address to the graduates
was heartfelt and brief: "Treat everyone with respect, no matter what their religion,
size, shape, colour or culture. It's an early lesson from my father that has helped me
through life."