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MS Connection Fall 2014
Fall2014
A newsletter for the MS Society of Canada, Kamloops & Area ChapterOffice Location:1-275 Seymour St. Kamloops, BC V2C 2E7Phone: 250-314-0773 Toll Free: 1-888-304-6622
Connect with us online!
Chapter Website:www.mssociety.ca/kamloops
www.youtube.com/mssocietyofkamloops
www.facebook.com/mssocietykamloops
www.twitter.com/ MSKamloops
www.instagram.com/mskamloops
Page 1
ConnectionIn This Issue
12
3
2
4
5
Chapter Update
Chapter News
Scotiabank MS Bike
Fundraising News
Community Services
Volunteers - Join Our Team!
Calendar of Events
7
11
Kamloops and Area Chapter
Office Open House
Thursday, November 27th 4:30-6:30pm
1-275 Seymour St
Join us in celebrating our volunteers, donors, event
participants and members and learn about our Chapter activities
and services.
Snacks and refreshments will be available.
You’re Invited!
MS Connection Fall 2014Page 2
Chapter Update
The Kamloops and Area Chapter MS Connection Newsletter is intended to provide news and information to people living with MS, their families, caregivers, medical professionals and other stakeholders. Information/opinions contained in this newsletter are obtained from sources believed to be reliable, but their accuracy cannot be guaranteed. The MS Society does not approve, endorse or recommend specific products or services and respects an individual’s right to make their own health management decisions. However, we can provide information to assist people in their decision process. For specific, personalized information, please consult your physician or other health care professional.
The MS Society of Canada has recently released The Action to End MS Strategic Plan 2014-2018. This new plan will guide the work of the MS Society in the goal for a future free from MS. The plan focuses the Society’s work on the areas that are most important to people affected by MS. You can read the full Action to End MS Strategic Plan 2014-2018 online at: beta.mssociety.ca/about-us/strategic-plan or contact us for a paper copy.
One key area of the plan focuses on improved volunteer engagement. A nationwide volunteer engagement strategy is being developed with the goal of transforming the MS Society’s capacity to deliver greater impact for those affected by MS.
On a local level, the Kamloops and Area Chapter is extremely fortunate to have the support of numerous community volunteers. These volunteer roles range from lead board volunteers, committee members and event volunteers. Our major events like the Scotiabank MS Bike and Scotiabank MS Walk would be impossible to run without this support. Approximately 90-100 volunteers are needed for each of these events, and many of these people take on more than one role.
We are currently hoping to recruit more
volunteers in a number of areas including fundraising support, services and office support. We’ve included a full list of opportunities on page 10 of this newsletter. For more information please contact the Chapter office.
We are pleased to be celebrating our volunteers along with our donors, event participants, and members at the 2014 Office Open House on Thursday, November 27th from 4:30-6:30pm. We hope you will join us.
On another note, the Chapter office will have limited hours in December and will be closed from December 24th – January 4th. Please call ahead if you plan to visit the office before December 24th to make sure someone is in the office to assist you. Happy Holidays!
Leanne Fisher Administration & Communications Assistant
Volunteer Feedback:
“I recently had the opportunity to volunteer with the Kamloops and Area MS Society Chapter for the Scotiabank MS Bike. My volunteering experience was a very positive one. The event was well organized, the expectations for the volunteers were clear, there were enough volunteers so the work load was not onerous and we were well fed! Overall the
day was quite fun. I met a lot of people and felt great about donating my time to a worthy cause. I will definitely volunteer with the MS Society again and would encourage any one
else to do so as well!” Jaymi - Kamloops, BC
Leanne Photo
Leanne, second from right, at the 2014 Scotiabank MS Walk
MS Connection Page 3 Fall 2014
StaffLeanne Fisher, Administration & Com-munications AssistantKatrina Harding, Fundraising CoordinatorCyndi Lion, Community Services CoordinatorTrina Radford, Regional Manager, BC Interior
Board of DirectorsMike O’Reilly, ChairCarly Gordon, Vice ChairRay Harrison, TreasurerJennifer Theissen, SecretaryChristina Antoniak Colin Brandt Ashley Ekelund Alicia MeihlingHeidi von Schoening
Chapter News
Recent Support from Our CommunityCanada Summer JobsRBC FoundationLo-Boy Market - Fundraiser
New Gold Inc.Kamloops Hot Yoga - Karma Yoga ClassCan-Ital Ladies Society
Hanging on for Hope to End MS!
On Thursday, September 11th, Mike O’Reilly participated in the Hanging on for Hope Fundraiser in support of the MS Society, Kamloops and Area Chapter. Mike is a long-time volunteer for the MS Society, current Chapter Board Chair and the Government Relations Chair for the MS Society BC and Yukon Division. He also has MS.
Mike rappelled down the Plainsman building at the corner of 2nd and Victoria Street (the old Bank of Montreal building) - one of the tallest buildings in the City of Kamloops. For every donation of minimum of $35, Mike descended 1 foot (for a total of 100 feet). Mike started his rappel at 10am and fin-ished at 1:30pm. He raised $6,035 which went to support the Scotiabank MS Bike - Thompson River Ride. Thank you Mike!
Yuhei and Aika TRU World Students.
Look-up! Mike at the start of his rappel.
Mike at the finish of the event.
This year two TRU World students from Japan provided volunteer service to the MS Society, Kamloops and Area Chapter in August and September. Their assistance was a great help during the Scotiabank MS Bike - Thompson River Ride preparation.
Have an idea that could be a game changer in
spreading awareness of MS? Visit blankms.ca to find out more about a contest running until December 5th, 2014.
MS Connection Fall 2014Page 4
Scotiabank MS Bike
Thank You to Our Sponsors!
On September 21, 2014, 145 cyclists geared up and took to the trails to end MS at the Scotiabank MS Bike - Thompson River Ride.
It was a beautiful, sunny day. The tunes were pumping, delicious food was served up, and everyone came together to make a difference for people affected by MS.
Thank you to our community who helped raise over $42,000 through this event. Highlights included the new rest stop at the gorgeous Privato Vineyard and Winery. This stop offered wine tasting for VIP participants, cheese tasting from Terroir Artisanal Cheeses, and live music from Steph Wisla.
Over 90 volunteers helped the day go off without a hitch. At Riverside Park participants enjoyed the sandwich bar as they basked in the sun following their ride.
We would like to extend a heartfelt thank-you to all of our participants, volunteers, and sponsors. We hope to see you all again next year at the 20th anniversary of Scotiabank MS Bike - Thompson River Ride!
Lccal Media Sponsors
Route Sponsors
Community Sponsors
The JournalA S H C R O F T ▼ C A C H E C R E E K
A d i v i s i o n o f B l a c k P r e s s E s t . 1 8 9 5
Silver Spring Organics
Photo Credit Mike McCue
Colin Brandt PhotographyImages by Mike McCue
Valleyview
SSOL
Photo Credit Colin BrandtPhoto Credit Mike McCue
MS Connection Page 5 Fall 2014
It is with regret that we had to cancel the High Country Hoedown dinner and dance fundraiser. A big thank-you goes out to
everyone who purchased tickets, donated their time to help organize the event or donated items for fundraising purposes.
Stay tuned for a social fundraiser in 2015!
CHALLENGE: ACCEPTED.
Save the date for the most epicendurance indoor cycling event of your life.
The 2015 Kamloops Indoor GranFondo A One-of-a-Kind Cycling Experience.
2.8.15
Fundraising News
On November 10th and 11th, check out the Kiwanis Radio and Online Auction.
The proceeds from this fundraiser directly benefit local charity groups,
including the MS Society, Kamloops and Area Chapter! Pay close attention to
pieces of artwork, gift cards, and other items that our generous sponsors have
contributed to the auction.
For more information, please visit kamloopskiwanis.org, or contact Katrina
at 250 314 0773 or [email protected].
Save the Date!2015 Kamloops Scotiabank MS Walk
May 24th
mswalks.ca
High Country Hoedown Regrets Thank You to Our High Country Hoedown Communication
Sponsors:
2014 Kiwanis Radio and Online Auction
Photo Credit Alex Mey
www.indoorgranfondo.ca
MS Connection Fall 2014Page 6
Fundraising News
A&W Food Services of Canada Inc. (TSE: AW.UN) is proud to announce its 6th annual Cruisin’ to End MS day, on August 21, raised $1.45 million in support of the Multiple Sclerosis Society of Canada and its programs that benefit Canadians affected by the disease. One dollar from every Teen Burger® sold across the country on Thursday, August 21 went to the MS Society in addition to funds collected in donation mugs, through the sales of paper cutouts, and online giving.
A&W also donated $1 for every RSVP to the A&W Cruisin’ to End MS event on Facebook and every tweet or retweet with the hashtag #CruisinToEndMS. This was a hugely popular element in this year’s campaign boosted by support and a visit to the A&W restaurant in Whitehorse—and related tweet—from Prime Minister Stephen Harper.
“Through our partnership with the MS Society, we are extremely pleased to help raise awareness about multiple sclerosis, which affects 100,000 Canadians and their families, and to support important research and programs aimed at ending MS,” said Paul Hollands, President and CEO, A&W Food
Services of Canada. “On behalf of A&W, I would like to thank and congratulate all of our operators, employees, customers, car clubs, the MS Society, and others across Canada who supported us to make this campaign the biggest yet.”
More than 800 A&W restaurants across the country hosted Cruisin’ to End MS events, including classic car and hot rod gatherings, music, car hop service, A&W Root Beer® chugging contests, and visits from the Great A&W Root Bear®.
“A sincere thank you to the A&W family for their continued commitment to accelerate discoveries in MS and improve the lives of the 100,000 Canadians living with the disease,” says Yves Savoie, President and CEO of the MS Society of Canada. “Each year we are amazed by the support we receive through A&W Cruisin’ to End MS and are proud of this important partnership. The event wouldn’t be possible without the support of individuals across our great country who come together for this common cause – a cause that affects all Canadians.”
Kamloops: Aberdeen Mall, Columbia Place, Fortune Plaze, Halston Esso, Lansdowne Village, Versatile Petro-Canada Travel Centre and Valleyview.
Chapter Area: 100 Mile House, Barriere, Cache Creek, Chase, Clearwater, Salmon Arm, Sicamous, Lillooet and Williams Lake.
A&W’s 6th Annual Cruisin’ to End MS raises $1.45 million
A Special Thank You to Our Chapter Area A&Ws!
MS Connection Page 7 Fall 2014
Community Services
For any questions regarding the information on the Community Services pages or to register for an event, please contact Cyndi Lion at 250-314-0773 or [email protected].
OutreachCyndi Lion facilitated a fall outreach meeting in 100 Mile House on Tuesday, October 7th. Thank you to everyone who attended and contributed to this event. A special thank you also goes out to our guest speaker, Kaitlynn Dewhirst, OT. If you missed the session in 100 Mile House, but would like more info about the topics discussed call Cyndi at the Chapter office.
About OutreachOutreach visits provide an opportunity for people to learn more about the services offered by the MS Society, how to access these services, and to have questions answered regarding multiple sclerosis (MS), and MS management. Often guest speakers from the local community are invited to present. Our next outreach sessions will be happening in the spring of 2015 (most likely in April and May). Please contact Cyndi at the Chapter office to see if we will be in your community.
On October 4th, we welcomed back Dr. Mark Holder from UBC-Okanagan to present “part 2” of his Science of Happiness seminar. The session was well attended and feedback was very positive. Who knows, maybe there’s a “part 3” in our future?
Thank you’s go to Nurse Next Door for donating our refreshments and care aide services and to the Kamloops Brain Injury Association for partnering with us share the workshop costs. Door prizes/speaker gifts were provided by the Blazers, the Commodore Grand Cafe and Lounge and Kelly O’ Bryans.
To learn more about Dr. Holder and some of the research he’s involved in, you can check
out: psyo.ok.ubc.ca/research/happy/about.html
The Science of Happiness and Choices
An information session with Cheryl Daniels, MS Nurse from both the Kelowna and Kamloops MS Clinics was held on Wednesday, October 22nd at Desert Gardens. Cheryl provided
an overview of MS Clinic services and MS symptom management. For more information on this session, please contact Cyndi at the Kamloops and Area Chapter office.
Fall 2014 Outreach Participants in 100 Mile House.
Photo Credit Micheal Koehn
Fall MS Clinic and MS Symptom Management Information Session
Dr. Mark Holder speaking at the 2014 session in Kamloops.
MS Connection Fall 2014Page 8
Community Services
For any questions regarding the information on the Community Services pages or to register for an event, please contact Cyndi Lion at 250-314-0773 or [email protected].
The Gemstone Movement for Wellness class and discussion group meets on the third Tuesday of the month at 10:30am - Brocklehurst Gemstone Care Centre (1955 Tranquille Road).
The discussion portion of the session is facilitated by Cyndi Lion, Community Services Coordinator and is open to anyone with MS and/or their family members/partners. The chair based movement portion will now be facilitated by Cathy Lidster, Feldenkrais
practitioner, and is suitable for all mobility levels. For more information about Cathy and the Feldenkrais Method please check out this link: www.feldenkrais.com/practitioners/find/browse/CANADA/BC/Kamloops/
Those affected by MS and their carepartners from outside of Gemstone are welcome to join us. Anyone from outside of Gemstone will need to RSVP for the session so that we can arrange the space accordingly.
Brocklehurst Gemstone Care Centre - Movement for Wellness
MS Wellness classes are offered free of charge to people with MS and/or their carepartners (family members, spouses, close friends, etc.). It is not required that you are a current MS Society member to access these wellness classes. If you do wish to become a member, or want to check on your membership status, please contact the office.
If you have a limited income and are seeking
fitness opportunities beyond what we are offering in our Wellness Program, you may want to consider applying for a subsidized membership at the YMCA-YWCA.
Additionally, the City of Kamloops has funding available through ARCH (Affordable Recreation for Community Health) to individuals and families with financial challenges. You can contact Cyndi to discuss these options.
Wellness
We have received a donation of tickets for the Kamloops vs. Regina game on Friday, November 28th at 7pm. Families will be limited to 3 tickets, but we will keep a waitlist for those requiring more than 3 tickets. Children aged 3 and under do not require a ticket, but they may need to share a seat with
an adult.
KIPs Kettle Corn is once again kindly donating snack sized bags of their delicious kettle corn to event participants.
Thanks KIPs!
Tickets will be given out on a first come first served basis to families. Please RSVP by Monday, November 24th. Registrants will be informed when their tickets are ready for pick up at the Chapter office.
Our family events are held three times per year and are open to parents and grandparents living with MS who have children/grandchildren under 18. The events are free of charge and accessible.
Growing Up Strong - Fall Family Event - Blazers Hockey Night!
MS Connection Page 9 Fall 2014
This new group is geared towards those living with (or affected by) multiple sclerosis in the 19-40 age group. The group is just starting out, but they already have some great ideas, and they look forward to welcoming others to the next “young adults” event.
YAAMS will be operating independently, but with support from the MS Society – Kamloops & Area Chapter. For more information about this group and what they have planned next, please contact Sal at 250-319-2994 or via email at [email protected].
Community Services
Social Lunch - White Spot North Shore
New Kamloops Group! YAAMS (Young Adults Affected by MS)
Social Lunch occurs on the first Wednesday of each month and is open to all people with MS and their partners/family members. Participants cover the cost of their own lunch, and occasionally we have prize draws for participants. Social Lunch will next meet on Wednesday, November 5rd at noon.
Upcoming 2015 dates include: January 7th, February 4th and March 4th.
We are still seeking a volunteer to plan and facilitate the monthly social lunches. Please contact the office if you are interested in this opportunity.
Independent groups are formed by volunteers who are interested in helping to bring together individuals and families with MS. These groups operate independently, supported by the MS Society of Canada with information and resources. The Kamloops and Area Chapter recognizes the importance of support in one’s own community, and providing a means for
individuals and families to reach out and connect with each other. Each community is unique in the kind of support that is available.
To find out if there is an active self-help group in your community, or for information about starting a self-help group, please contact Cyndi Lion at the Chapter office.
Independent Self Help Groups
Our annual holiday lunch will again be held at the Army, Navy & Airforce Veterans (Anavets) hall at 9-177 Tranquille Rd (by the river) on Wednesday, December 3rd from noon to 1:30pm. We hope you can join us for
this fun, social event. As usual, there will be lively discussion, door prizes, and some festive activities (Cyndi’s infamous trivia) to keep things entertaining.
Cost of the holiday lunch this year is $11.00
per person (not including gratuity) for a full hot turkey dinner, and coffee or tea. Dessert will be provided by the Chapter.
People with MS, carepartners, family members, friends, MS Society staff, volunteers, and board members are all welcome at the Holiday Lunch.
Please RSVP by Monday, December 1st. Payment for lunch is to be made in advance at the Chapter office (no later than December 2nd please). Cash is preferred. Thank you.
Anyone wishing to contribute to this event (prizes, cash donations, grocery store gift cards, etc.) can contact us at the Chapter office.
Kamloops and Area Chapter Holiday Lunch
MS Connection Fall 2014Page 10
In 2006, 25-year-old Jason DaSilva was on vacation at the beach with family when, sud-denly, he fell down. He couldn’t get back up. His legs had stopped working; his dis-ease could no longer be ignored. Just a few months earlier doctors had told him that he had multiple sclerosis, which could lead to loss of vision and muscle control, as well as a myriad of other complications. Jason tried exercise to help cope, but the problem only worsened. After his dispiriting fall on
the beach, he turned to his Mom, who re-minded him that, despite his disease, he was still a fortunate kid who had the opportunity to pursue the things he loved most: art and filmmaking. Jason picked up the camera, turned it on his declining body, and set out on a worldwide journey in search of healing, self-discovery, and love. Visit the official site for more information and to view the trailer: wheniwalk.com
How to Have Those Difficult Conver-sations: Tips for Family Caregivers Monday, November 3rd 6:30 – 8:00pm.
Managing the Ongoing Losses of CaregivingTuesday, November 18th 6:30 – 8:00pm.
Both sessions will be with Allison Reeves, Registered Clinical Counsellor, and are available to residents of British Columbia only.
Register for FREE by calling the Care-ring Voice Network at 1-866-396-2433 or reg-ister on-line at www.careringvoice.com. Webinars are offered through your computer and telephone. If you don’t have a computer, you can simply listen over the telephone.
For further info about the Family Caregivers’ Network Society or to register for these (or future) webinars, please visit www.fcns-caregiving.org.
Director Jason DaSilva at work. From WHEN I WALK, a Long Shot Factory Release 2013.
Carepartners are always welcome to participate in our Social Lunch, Wellness Programs, and other special workshops and events.
Watch your newsflashes or contact Cyndi at the office for information about upcoming Carepartner workshops, teleconferences, and webcasts.
Carepartners
When I Walk Documentary
Carepartner Webinars hosted by Family Caregivers’ Network Society
The Kamloops and Area Chapter recently acquired the documentary When I Walk.
A viewing was held at the Gemstone Care Centre in October. An additional screening will be held at Desert Gardens on Tuesday, November 4th at 4:30pm.
The DVD will also be available to borrow from the office (a deposit will be required). Please contact Cyndi for more information.
When I Walk - Plot summary (Written by Official Website):
Community Services
Looking for resource materials on MS? Check out the lending library at the Kamloops and Area Chapter Office.
MS Connection Page 11 Fall 2014
Join Our Team – Volunteers Wanted!Current Chapter Volunteer Opportunities:
Fundraising Committee VolunteersWork with the event organizing committees for our fundraising initiatives. Roles include:
Scotiabank MS Walk and Scotiabank MS Bike• Volunteer Coordinators• Entertainment Coordinators• Site Coordinators• Team MS Coordinators• Promotions and Fundraising Support
Coordinator
Miscellaneous Fundraising Committee• Volunteer Coordinator• Entertainment Coordinator• Site Coordinator• Finance Coordinator• Marketing/Promotions Coordinator
Event Volunteers – Kamloops Indoor GranFondo and Family FestivalHelp on event day with check in, concierge and rider support, information booth, set-up or take down.
Marketing Specialist VolunteerAssist in promotional material creation for Scotiabank MS Walk, Scotiabank MS Bike, Kamloops Indoor GranFondo and Community Services. Delivery VolunteerDeliver our Chapter Newsletter and event posters to businesses and organizations in the Kamloops or other Chapter areas.
Newsletter Contributor Do you have a connection to Multiple Sclerosis or the MS Society? Share your story!
Family Event VolunteerAssist our Community Services Coordinator with hosting our Family Events (generally held 3x per year).
Social Lunch Volunteer Assist our Community Services Coordinator with, and/or facilitate our monthly MS Social Lunch group. First Wednesday of each month from 12:00-1:00 pm. (First aid training is an asset, but not required. Experience working with people with disabilities required.)
Wellness Program VolunteerAssist our Community Services Coordinator with wellness classes and/or education workshops.
Event VolunteersBe a part of our MS Society Fundraising on event day in 2015. Roles include route marshalling, rest stop assistance, site set-up and take down, photography, registration, cheering, greeting and team MS support.
For more information visit: mssociety.ca/kamloops or call
250-314-0773.
Do you have a specialty, skill or talent that you would like to share with
the MS Society? Please let us know! Your experience may be just the thing
we need.Photo Credit Rebecca Smerdel
Photo Credit Rebecca Smerdel
MS Connection Fall 2014Page 12
Fall 2014
Please return undeliverable mail to:
Acknowledgements
Thank you to the Province of British Columbia for funding this newsletter.
Contributors:Cyndi Lion, Trina Radford, Katrina Harding, Leanne Fisher,
Kamloops & Area Chapter
Contact us at:
250-314-0773or Toll [email protected]
www.mssociety.ca/kamloops
Calendar of EventsNov 4 - When I Walk DocumentaryNov 5 - Social LunchNov 10-11 - Kiwanis AuctionNov 18 - Gemstone Movement ClassNov 18 - Carepartner WebinarNov 27 - Office Open HouseNov 28 - Blazers Hockey Family EventDec 3 - Holiday LunchDec 16 - Gemstone Movement ClassDec 24-Jan 4 - Office ClosureJan 5 - Office Re-opensJan 7 - Social LunchFeb 8 - Kamloops Indoor GranFondoMay 24 - Kamloops Scotiabank MS Walk
Final Notes
1-275 Seymour St Kamloops, BC V2C 2E7
Website of Interest:
Progressive MS Alliance www.progressivemsalliance.org
