MAKING STRIDES
Grand River Chapter
WWW.MSSOCIETY.CA
Grand River Chapter
Winter 2016 Edition
Chapter Office:
35 Belmont Ave. W. Kitchener
N2M 1L2
(519) 569-8789
CONTENTS
First Year Anniversary
2
Peer Support
3
In the Community
4
New Year—New Beginning
5
Upcoming Fundraisers
6, 7
Volunteer Opportunities
8, 9
Past Grand River Events
10, 11
Membership
12
E-mail:
[email protected], Programs & Services Coordinator
[email protected], Community Outreach Coordinator
[email protected], Volunteer /Communications Coordinator
[email protected], Regional Director
Mission Statement
Website:
https://mssociety.ca/chapter/grand-river- To be a leader in finding a cure for
chapter
multiple sclerosis and enabling peoFacebook:
ple affected by MS to enhance their
https://www.facebook.com/
mssocietygrandriverchapter/
quality of life.
All programming and services of the MS Society are offered in a barrier-free facility.
Grand River Chapter: First Year Anniversary
It has been one year since the Grand River Chapter made it’s first appearance, having
merged the Wellington, Waterloo and the Cambridge chapters together. We have been truly
blessed to have a large community with so much dedication and spirit. The board members
alongside many volunteers work hard to plan, organize, and execute many of the fundraising
events and programming that happen throughout our chapter
including:
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MS Walk
Carnation Campaign
Golf Tournaments
Val Bremner MS Summer Relay
Freedom Ride to End MS
Two of a Kind Vendor Show
Christmas Cookie Walk to End MS
Cakes and Cookies Sale
MS Connect 2015: Family Conference
Client/Caregiver Support Group
BBQs/Picnics/Socials/Holiday Parties
Live and Learn program in Guelph, Kitcheand Cambridge
ner
So what can we expect in 2016? Our successes of 2015 will be enhanced as we adjust to our
new and larger community— as we draw on many of our strengths and work on our
challenges. This in turn will bring about a stronger chapter, offering more financial and
emotional support to anyone living with MS. In doing so, we are able to support our mission
and follow through on our values as an organization:
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We believe in and work toward the full integration of people with multiple sclerosis in all
aspects of life.
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We keep those affected by MS at the centre of our work at every level of the
organization.
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We treat everyone with respect and dignity, and protect their privacy and rights to make
decisions about their lives.
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We provide meaningful benefit to the greatest possible number of people affected by
MS.
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We give hope to people affected by multiple sclerosis.
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We acknowledge the grassroots of our organization as one of its greatest strengths.
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We recognize that volunteers, donors, and employees are critical to our success, and we
celebrate their commitment.
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We demonstrate ethical behaviour and integrity.
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We adhere to the highest standards of quality, transparency, and accountability.
2
Peer Support for those living with MS in the Grand River Chapter
MS Peer Support Program
The MS Society is pleased to offer a telephone/internet peer support program for individuals
living with MS. You may be newly diagnosed, you may have a specific question, or maybe you
are dealing with an issue
related to your MS.
Sometimes the best
person to talk to is
someone who also has MS.
Volunteers from across
Canada are provided with
extensive training to
ensure they have the skills
to best support you.
How does it work?
Contact the MS Society of Canada, Peer Support Program at [email protected]
or 1-800-268-7582 x3149 to request more information or an application.
You will fill out an application and have a conversation with the program coordinator to ensure
we can properly match you with a volunteer. Once a volunteer is secured, you will be notified by
the program coordinator and the volunteer will contact you. Together you will decide on the
frequency of communication – some people want to chat just a few times and others maintain
an ongoing connection. The MS Society will monitor matches up to 6 months.
For this program, we are also looking for Peer Support Volunteers.
We are looking for individuals who are at a place in their own experience where they feel they
can effectively support others. We are looking to fill our training sessions with volunteers
representing a diverse range of experiences and a diverse range of ages, locations, and other
demographic qualities.
We are looking for volunteers who meet the following criteria:
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Be 18 years or older and diagnosed with MS (or an allied disease) for a minimum of two
years
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Be at a point in your journey where you can provide support to others
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Sign volunteer and confidentiality agreements
Submit documents for a criminal records check (CRC) before starting as a volunteer (must be
renewed every three years). The MS Society will process the check at no cost to the volunteer.
 Be available to participate in online volunteer training (1.5 hours a week for 5 weeks with
some additional time for reading and practice)
 Agree to a one year minimum commitment to the program from the time you have c
completed training and screening
3
In the Community
Great ideas happen when we come TOGETHER
Many of the events we run within the Grand River Chapter
are possible because a group of people have come
together to form a committee and make great things
happen. These committees are formed for the:
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The MS Walk Committee
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The Carnation Campaign
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Hard Day’s Night Committee
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Live and Learn/Education Committee
If you are looking to put your gifts and skills to work or want more information about
what is involved please give Laura or Sandra a call at 519-569-8789.
MS Society Scholarship Program
There are two categories of scholarships available thanks to generous sponsors: the Follow
the Leader Scholarship, sponsored by KRG Children's Charitable Foundation, and the John
Helou Scholarship, sponsored by Pfizer and Rx&D.
The purpose of the scholarship program is to
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encourage academic excellence and the pursuit of higher education among students who
are directly affected by Multiple Sclerosis (MS);
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provide the path and framework for scholarship recipients to become the MS leaders of the
future and to; strengthen the pool of scientific, engineering, math and technology students
who consider a focus on MS to be part of their career of choice.
To apply go to: https://juno.aucc.ca/app/mssociety.html
All applicants are required to submit a completed scholarship application form before March
31, 2016, 11:59 pm Eastern Time.
4
New Year—New Beginnings
In looking at the year ahead, have you made any plans, any commitments to
yourself? We hope one of those commitments is to take great care of yourself. A part
of taking care of yourself is having a support network in place. Everyone’s support
network looks very different. As you continue on your journey living with MS, we want
to ensure you are feeling heard and understood. One way we offer support is through
our Peer Support Program as mentioned on page 3, but also through our support
groups. These are offered in Cambridge, Guelph, Kitchener/Waterloo. These groups
include both men and women and is a great place to find answers, and to just be
heard.
Support/Educational Groups
Support Group
3rd Wednesday of the month, 1pm-3pm
(Double check the calendar, the date does change
periodically)
35 Belmont Ave. W, Kitchener
Caregiver Support Group/Client Movie Night
1st Wednesday of the month, 6:30pm-8:30pm
35 Belmont Ave. W., Kitchener
Support Group
4th Thursday of the month, 7pm-9pm
Cambridge Lions Club
50 Ainsley St. Cambridge
Self-Help Group
1st Tuesday of every month, 11:00am-1:00pm
3rd Tuesday of every month from 6:30pm to 8:30pm
Royal on Gordon Retirement Residence Library, 1691 Gordon Street, Guelph, ON.
For more information contact Manon at (519) 546-7914 or email her
at [email protected]
Live and Learn Educational Series:
Tuesday February 23rd– 12pm-2pm
Topic: Occupational Therapy
Location: Riverside Glen Retirement Residence, 60 Woodlawn Rd. E. Guelph
Thursday March 24th– 12pm-2pm
Topic: Acupuncture/Naturopathy
Location: Arbour Trails Retirement Residence, 32 Bayberry Dr. Guelph
Tuesday April 26th– 12pm-2pm
Topic : Nutrition and MS
Location: Zehrs, Paisley and Imperial Road, Guelph: The community room.
5
Upcoming MS Fundraisers:
Use the power of the
flower to end MS. Help
raise awareness about
multiple sclerosis by
purchasing or volunteering to sell carnations on
street corners, malls, and
other public spaces.
May 6th and 7th, 2016
Where: Various locations across Grand River Chapter.
More information or preorders: Contact the Grand River Chapter at
(519) 569-8789 or by email at [email protected] or [email protected]
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Grand River
Volunteer Opportunities
Board of Directors
The Multiple Sclerosis Society, Grand River Chapter, is actively seeking new
volunteers to join the Board of Directors. Board members work as a team to
provide leadership and strategic direction in the areas of finance, fundraising,
communications and client services. Board members also take a hands on role;
coordinating fundraising initiatives, volunteering at special events, creating
opportunities for education, and developing and implementing programs to
improve the lives of those living with MS.
The board meets monthly six times a year to update, discuss, problem solve and delegate. Between meetings
members work on sub committee’s that suit their strengths and interests. Board members work directly with
staff and agency volunteers to ensure that all fundraising and client based events are staffed and successful.
Time approximate time commitment is ten hours per month.
The Grand River Chapter covers Guelph, Kitchener-Waterloo, Cambridge and surrounding areas. Board and
sub-committee meetings take place in all three cities. Special events also take place in all three cities. Board
Members focus their time where they live.
Live and Learn Leads for Kitchener/Cambridge
We are seeking a volunteer to assist us with planning our Live & Learn Sessions for
the Kitchener Waterloo and Cambridge area. Live and Learn sessions are
educational workshops held once every two months at the Dunfield Retirement
Residence in Cambridge or at the MS Society office in Kitchener. Guest speakers
come and talk with clients about topics that would benefit and interest them. Some
examples of workshop are: pain management, cognitive fitness, coping with fatigue,
nutrition, using mobility aids, government programs, managing depression and
anxiety, tai chi, yoga and arts and crafts.
The volunteer Live and Learn Lead would work with staff, and the Guelph area Live and Learn Lead, to come
up with creative ideas for speakers. The Lead would then take the ideas and work to find speakers and line up
dates and times for the speaker to present to the MS Society clients in Cambridge and/or Kitchener.
The Live and Learn Lead is also expected to attend the workshops to greet the speaker, introduce them to the
speaker and clean and close the facility as needed.
Craft Group Lead(s)
We are seeking creative and crafty volunteers who can lead our monthly Craft Group
for clients in Kitchener. Volunteers will bring their ideas and expertise to the program.
A small budget is provided for supplies. This group runs the last Friday of every
month from 11:30a.m. to 1:30p.m.
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Special Event Committee Members
We are looking for volunteers who want to join our special event planning
committees. Committee members work as a team, along with staff, to
coordinate all aspects of an event from themes, entertainment and decor to
recruiting participants, marketing the event, gaining sponsorship and prize
donations.
We are currently seeking volunteers for our newest upcoming event A Hard
Day’s Night - a 1960’s themed evening out with Beatles cover Band Daytripper. The night will also feature 1960’s inspired dance performances, a dance lesson to Twist & Shout,
hula-hoop competitions and best Beatles look alike and best dressed Hippie awards. Retro food and drink will
be served while guests dance the night away! Committee members work on their own schedule and meet every
three-two weeks until the event date which is April 1st.
Cambridge Support Group Lead
We are seeking an individual who has education or experience in group facilitation
and is familiar with the social and economic barriers that people with disabilities
face. Our clients all live with MS but can be effected very differently; some clients
are mobile while others require assistance devices. MS can also effect memory,
cognitive processing, eye sight and speech.
The Support Group Volunteer would encourage group discussion and sharing
among clients. This is not a group therapy program, so no specific therapeutic techniques need to be employed.
We are seeking someone who is comfortable encouraging group participation and reflection, making sure everyone who wants to share has the opportunity too, and as needed, is able to remind participants of group guidelines such as non-judgment and confidentiality.
Support Group Lead will also prepare snacks for clients. A budget will be provided.
This position takes place once a month in Cambridge at the Lions Club 50 Ainslie St N.
Event Day Volunteers
We are seeking volunteers who can assist on site at events the day of the
event. Our current events include: Hard Day’s Night (April), Carnation
Flower Campaign (May), MS Walkathon (May), Freedom Ride the End MS
(August).
Shifts vary in length and training is often the day of the event. This is a fun
way to make a difference without committing to a long term volunteer role.
If you are interested in any of these positions or have any questions, please
contact:
Sandra Clarke, Volunteer & Communications Coordinator, Grand River
Chapter 35 Belmont Ave W, Kitchener, ON N2M 1L2
Phone: 519-569-8789 | Email: sandra.clarke @mssociety.ca
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Past Chapter Events: What a Success!
Christmas Celebrations Three Time Over!
Grand River Chapter celebrated the holidays well this
year with three Christmas parties, one in Guelph,
Kitchener and Cambridge. Members of Grand River
were given the opportunity to enjoy a festive meal
together, celebrating with other members of our
community. A huge thank you goes to Bel and Gary of
the Southwest Kitchener Optimist Club for providing
us with a delicious meal and a wonderful space to
celebrate, thank-you as well to John Duffy and Mary
Henein from the Grand River Chapter board for
organizing the Wellington and Cambridge Christmas
parties.
Bel and Gary Young of the KW
Optimist Club smile after preparing a delicious meal– thank you!
Grand River-Wellington announce the volunteer of the year
award at the Wellington
Christmas party
Annual Holiday Cakes & Cookies Campaign
Once again the MS Society took to the community selling our holiday
wares: shortbread cookies, fruit cake, cherry cake and truffles. A very
special thank you to all of the volunteers who made this campaign
possible! Volunteers are the back bone of this fundraising initiative,
without volunteers selling and driving product to and from sale sites this
initiative would not be possible.
A thank you also goes out to all of the retirement residences that allowed
us to come in and sell on site to their residents.
This year we raised $10,000 to go towards providing support services and
financial aid to people living with MS in our communities.
Pauline and Janelle sell at St. Mary’s selling our delicious
First Ever Christmas Cookie Walk to End MS!
Volunteers stepped up when the call went out for bakers this year! Yummy cookies, balls, bars and bark made for a
beautiful holiday spread at the first annual Cookie Walk to End MS at the Grand River Chapter. On Friday, December
18th , people were waiting at the door to get in and pick out their own scrumptious holiday treats. A very special thank
you to all the volunteers who baked for this years sale. Thank you to Annette for your help at the sale. This years sale
raised a much needed $650.
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TM Jazz, In Harmony to End MS
TM Jazz , Tim Moher and the Multiple Sclerosis Society presented our annual concert – In Harmony to End MS on
November 28th at The Conrad Centre for the Performing Arts in Kitchener. The event was a resounding success
with a sold out audience. This year’s concert was truly a memorable compilation of instrumental, vocals and dance.
Performers included local artists such as; Soul Sauce, Rebecca Binnendyk, Jessie Treneer, Rob Grundy, Jo Jo
Worthington, Peter Shaw and many more. This year’s show also featured local dancers performing Irish, jazz and
contemporary. The concert raised $2000 for the Grand River Chapter! A special thank you to Tim Moher for his
continued support. Mark your calendar for December 3rd, 2016 so you don’t miss next years concert!
Two of A Kind Vendor Show
On November 8, 2016, the Grand River Chapter of the MS Society hosted the first ever Two of a Kind Vendor show at
Waterloo Flowers. Starting off the holiday season in a giving spirit, shoppers were able to shop guilt free with proceeds
from their purchases going to their local MS Chapter. Two of a Kind supported community vendors, and funds raised
went directly to help people in our community living with multiple sclerosis. This vendor show brought in over 60 local
vendors with over 800 people in attendance. Shoppers were able to check most of their items off their Christmas list,
purchasing everything from handmade jewelry, soaps, dishware, clothing, pottery and were able to stop and get a sweet
treat or some hot apple cider. A big thank you goes to all the volunteers, vendors and shoppers for supporting people in
their community who are living with Multiple Sclerosis.
Vendors and shoppers in their festive spirit at our Two of a Kind Vendor show– What a huge success!
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Become a Member of the MS Society: Grand River Chapter
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