york north · 2008-10-29 · 6 york north chapter — fall 2008 annual bbq this year, the chapter...

Our Mission To be a leader in finding a cure for multiple sclerosis and enabling people affected by MS to enhance their quality of life.

YORK NORTH

Serving the communities of Newmarket, East Gwillimbury & Georgina

Newsletter - Fall 2008

In this issue: Letter from the Chair...............2

Carnation Campaign...............3

Bingo.......................................3

Super Cities Walk ...................4

Annual BBQ............................6

Christmas Dinner ....................8

Self-Help Groups ....................8

Day Program Information........9

Social Action News ...............10

Volunteer Awards.................. 11

Benefits of Membership/

Application Form................... 11

How to Contact Us................12

Privacy Policy .......................12

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York North Chapter — Fall 2008

Letter from the Chair The past year has been full of challenges and successes in our fight to End MS. The York North Chapter fund raising committees have again worked hard and have succeeded in raising the necessary funds to support client services and research. Both client services and research received approximately $30,000. Congratulations to the Newmarket Walk, Carnation and Bingo committee members.

Your board members have put in their all throughout the year. There have been changes, as usual, additions and departures. Thank you to Cathy Vaughan, Nicole McAllister, Erin Neil, Cal Westover, Lynda DaSilva, Lynda Annall, Anita Jeffreys, Lisa Heron, Mary Ann Slattery and Dianne Bennett for yet another productive year.

Two of us have become MS Ambassadors under the direction of the Government Relations department of Ontario Division. We joined others from across the province all making deputations to their local MPP’s in an effort to make changes to funding effective drug therapies, advocating for age-appropriate housing for those of us needing long-term care facilities, and asking that the government contribute to our end MS campaign with actual dollar contributions. (More to follow…next spring)

We had hoped to be announcing the opening of a local centre, but the wheels of bureaucracy run very slowly. We hope to be offering a new yoga program (for all abilities) this fall as soon as we have a suitable venue. (All interested parties leave us a message at either 905-830-4950 or 905-476-6573)

Watch this space for more updates on our activities. AND please welcome Anita Jeffreys as the new newsletter editor. She has all our support (and could use some recipes or other contributions from you). Good luck Anita!

Thank you all! Judy St. Cyr, Chair

Chairperson: Judy St. Cyr Treasurer: Dianne Bennett Secretary: Lynda Annall Directors Client Services: Lisa Heron Fund Raising: Mary Ann Slattery Social Action: Lynda DaSilva Public Relations/ Newsletter Editor: Anita Jeffreys

The contents may be reprinted with customary credit.

Your submissions to the York North Chapter newsletter are encouraged. Forward these and any address changes with the mailing label to:

Editor, York North Chapter

PO Box 13, Keswick, ON L4P 3E1

IN MEMORIAM Dedicated to the memory of Russ Mullins, former Director of Social Action, who passed away October 2008. Russ regularly attended the support groups and was an active participant in all our fundraising events, especially the Walks and Carnation Campaigns. He is fondly remembered and will be sadly missed.

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Carnation Campaign 2008 The 2008 Carnation campaign on ‘Mother’s Day weekend’ was a tremendous success. Although the focus was on Chapter exposure and having as much presence as possible across our large demographic, our secondary goal was to raise funds for the MS Society. With pleasure we report that we successfully accomplished both objectives. Usually at every Carnation time we chat and distribute Chapter literature to at least 3 or 4 ‘newly diagnosed’ people, and a few veterans not familiar with our Chapter services. This year was no exception. That, in itself, makes it a very worthwhile event.

Besides having 22 organizations participating in our Advance Sales orders initiative, (and which were delivered on May 7th and 8th), we had volunteers posted at 22 stores on May 9th and 10th. With both the Advance Sales organizations and merchant locations, we had excellent exposure in Newmarket, Sutton, Keswick, Pefferlaw and Jackson’s Point.

It is extremely gratifying to see the results of the hard work exhibited by the many volunteers, and the cooperation we received from all the merchants and other institutions. Last, but not least, we were warmed by the wonderful reception from the public in general.

On behalf of the Carnation committee, thank you to everyone who was involved.

SUPPORT YOUR LOCAL MS CHAPTER AND HAVE FUN

PLAYING BINGO

Our charity is one of the many that share the profits from the bingo games held daily at Bingo Country, 1230 Kerrisdale Blvd. in Newmarket. Please come out for an afternoon or evening of fun.

For further information contact the Hall hotline at 905-836-4927.

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Super Cities Walk

The Newmarket Super Cities Walk for MS took place on Sunday April 13th, starting from the Newmarket Community Centre on Doug Duncan Drive.

The weather was sunny but cool, spirits were high and everyone had a great time, including our four-legged participants!

So far we have raised $136,054!

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Walkers were welcomed, fed, cheered on by volunteers, serenaded by a talented quartet, and given a hearty lunch upon their return.

With your help, we will end MS.

Your efforts, our many volunteers, and our generous sponsors, made this event a resounding success all across Ontario.

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Annual BBQ This year, the Chapter BBQ was held at Eaglewood Resort (near Pefferlaw) on Saturday, September 13, 2008. The rain held off, and 75 people attended this fabulous event.

Set in an idyllic setting, there was both an outdoor shelter situated over one of the large ponds, and an adjacent indoor party room. The resort features two large ponds (available for fishing or boating), a petting zoo and onsite stables and childrens’ playground.

The large property is surrounded by forests riddled with scenic pathways. The weather co-operated beautifully and people took full advantage of the great outdoor setting to fully enjoy what may be the last BBQ of the season, complete with “expertly cooked” hot dogs and hamburgers, tasty salads and refreshing beverages.

Our gracious host, Marilyn Oldfield, was an honoured guest.

The resort prides itself on being fully wheelchair accessible, making it ideal for social gatherings such as ours.

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There were hayrides provided around the resort which were a delight for all ages. The wagon used was able to accommodate wheelchairs and other motorized transportation, enabling all to participate in a grand tour through the forest and around the grounds.

Overall it was a great day of family fun, with good weather, good food, raffles and prizes, and much more.

Thank you to all, volunteers and participants for making this a fabulous day, as well as Eaglewood for being such great hosts. A special thank you goes to Cal, our organizer.

If anyone is interested in knowing more about Eaglewood, check out their website:

http://www.eaglewood.on.ca/

*** Thank You *** Besides the BBQ committee and the many people who assisted at the BBQ, a heartfelt thank you to all of the organizations and businesses whose generosity made this event possible: MS Society, York North Chapter Richard Fujimoto Steve & Adele’s No Frills, Nmkt COSTCO, Nmkt Midas Muffler, Ringwell Dr. Nmkt Ben’s Pharmacy, Keswick Vinces Country Market, Nmkt & Sharon IDA Pharmacy, Stouffville Canadian Tire, Newmarket Dollarama, 404 Plaza, Nmkt Price Chopper, Yonge St, Nmkt Walmart, Newmarket Headlines Hair Salon and Spa, Stouffville Giant Tiger, Nmkt M&M, Davis & Leslie, Nmkt Dollarama, Nmkt Plaza Steve & Liz’s No Frills, Stouffville Bruce & Kathryn Payne

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Christmas Dinner 2008 Please circle December 3 on your calendars, for our annual Christmas dinner at the Newmarket Community Centre on Doug Duncan Drive. As usual, Santa will be there for the

kiddies 12 and under, and we will be handing out our annual volunteer awards.

Notices for the dinner will be sent out in early November, but everyone is invited, so if by chance you don’t receive one, please contact us. We are going to hold the price at $12 for everyone over 12. Kids are free. Also, anyone who cannot afford the $12, please let us know, we want everyone to attend. We have booked a new caterer this year, The Delihouse, and we have heard their meals are delicious. Turkey with all the trimmings is on the menu. For further information, email Dianne at [email protected]

Self-Help Groups Keswick Self-Help Group meets the 2nd Wednesday of each month from 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m., Community Room York Regional Police Station, Detachment 3, Baseline Road, Georgina.

Newmarket Self-Help Group meets the 4th Wednesday of each month from 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m., location T.B.A.

Group meetings vary from guest speakers, to movies, to open discussions, and we always serve refreshments. Whether you have MS or a family member or friend does, our meetings offer

information, support and the friendship of others who understand what you are going through. Our meetings are positive and informative. Please come and join us.

For more information, call our Chapter Line at 905-476-6573

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Day Program MS York North in conjunction with Hospice Georgina is pleased to announce our Day Program for people with a long-term illness.

Hospice Georgina Day ProgramHospice Georgina Day ProgramHospice Georgina Day Program Starting September 23rd

Every Tuesday morning 9:30am—12:00pm (excluding holidays) at

152 High Street, Sutton

Open to anyone with a long-term illness who is mobile, cognitive and responsible for their own medical and personal care needs.

• Stimulating educational programs

• Recreational and cultural activities

• Intergenerational programs

• Therapy pets

• Peer support

(Please visit our website for updates: www.hospicegeorgina.com)

To register for weekly sessions, please contact Hospice Georgina and specify which week(s) you wish to attend at:

Telephone: 905-722-9333, Email: caring@hospicegeorgina

(Please use Adult Day Program in your email subject line)

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Social Action Good News Regarding Increased Home Care Hours

As reported in the June 2008 Social Action E-Alert, the Government of Ontario recently increased home care hours, committing $38.5 million to:

• Increase the upper limits on hours of personal support/homemaking services by 50 percent, from 80 hours to a maximum of 120 hours in the first 30 days of service, and from 60 hours to a maximum of 90 hours in any subsequent 30-day period;

• Remove home care maximums on personal support and homemaking entirely for patients waiting for a long-term care bed or receiving palliative care services at home;

At the time of the announcement, it was unclear whether or not these changes would be targeted to seniors. The MS Society has since received clarification from government, and the news is positive. The changes will support people who, regardless of age:

• Receive home care at or near existing maximums, who require an increase to remain in the community and avoid hospital or long-term care home admission.

• Are in hospital awaiting admission to long-term care and can wait at home with increased services for a period of time under the "extraordinary circumstances" provisions.

• Are referred to a CCAC by an emergency department.

• Are community clients experiencing a crisis that would otherwise result in admission to hospital or long-term care.

The increase in hours is good news that was brought about by many years of advocacy work that the MS Society has done on the home care front, in collaboration with other health care charities

The MS Society is now working to determine how CCACs are implementing the changes with respect to re-assessment. Additional information will be provided to our community members soon.

The York North Chapter Needs YOU!!! Join our Board:

♦ Director of Volunteers ♦ Director of Education ♦ Vice Chair

Join one of our committees: ♦ Facilitators ♦ Walk Committee

members ♦ Self-Help Group

Planning Committee

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MEMBERSHIP APPLICATION FORM Name:

Address: Number Street Apt.#

City Postal Code

Email:

Telephone : Home ( ) Work: ( )

I give the MS Society of Canada permission to contact me by e-mail

I give the MS Society of Canada permission to contact me for volunteer activities in my community

Please select membership type from the following: 2 Year ($18.00) Annual ($10.00) Complimentary—1 year ($0.00) Donation gratefully received Total: Please make cheque payable to: MS Society of Canada, York North Chapter PO Box 13, Keswick, ON L4P 3E1 Attention: Membership Coordinator

Benefits of Membership

With your membership in the York North Chapter you will receive the MS York North, MS Canada and MS Ontario newsletters. Periodically you will receive research updates. You can choose to receive the newsletters by regular mail. Or, you might opt to receive e-mail notification when the publications are posted at: www.mssociety.ca/yorknorth.

The nominal fee helps us to offset our printing & mailing costs. Please join.

Articles in this publication express the opinions of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the views of the Multiple Sclerosis Society of Canada, nor the MS York North Chapter.

Articles on products or services are for information only and are not intended as endorsements.

VOLUNTEER AWARDS

If you know of a caregiver who deserves an award, please nominate this person. We love to recognize these unselfish people. There is another award for young caregivers and we would welcome nominees for this category also.

We also like to recognize our regular volunteers who give unselfishly of their time for our events, such as walk and carnation and bingo.

Please email the Chapter at: [email protected] and tell us about the nominee along with your reasons for nominating him or her.

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Privacy The MS Society protects members’ privacy. Information collected is used to compile mailing lists for newsletters, information about programs and meetings and to compile anonymous statistical information.

As part of he Multiple Sclerosis Society of Canada’s on-going commitment to the protection of our members’ privacy, we would like to inform you that your membership information, which is contained on our membership list, may be provided to other members from time to time for the sole purposes of soliciting signatures for proxy votes for our Annual General Meetings or for soliciting signatures for nominations. The information provided to other members will not include personal health information.

Information collected from volunteers is for the purpose of communicating to the volunteer information about the various volunteer activities we carry out throughout the year. Volunteers will receive chapter newsletters to keep them informed of chapter activities.

If you have any questions about your personal information, please contact the Vice-President, Communications (416) 922-6065 or 1-800-268-7582. A copy of our privacy policy may be obtained at any MS Society office or at www.mssociety.ca.

If you have any questions regarding your personal information collected at the chapter level, please contact Judy St-Cyr, Chapter Privacy Officer, at (905) 830-4950 or [email protected].

How to contact usHow to contact us

York North Chapter PO Box 13 Keswick, ON L4P 3N8 www.mssociety.ca/yorknorth E-mail: [email protected] Voice message numbers: Client Services: 905-476-6573 Volunteer & Event: 905-830-4950 These message centres are monitored by volunteers who will return your call as soon as possible. So please leave a detailed message and speak clearly.

If you require a large print copy of the newsletter articles, please leave your contact details at

905-830-4950. We will be happy to accommodate

you.

york north · 2008-10-29 · 6 york north chapter — fall 2008 annual bbq this year, the chapter...

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