MS HOPE - MS Society€¦ · Current event volunteer opportunities include leadership positions on event organizing committees, pre-event preparation positions, and many day-of-event

Our Mission:To be a leader in finding a cure for multiple sclerosis

and enabling those affected by MS to

enhance their quality of life.

Thank you for your support in

achieving our mission!

South VancouverIsland Chapter

Volunteers are the backbone of our organization. Along with staff, you are active partners in fulfilling our mission. The contributions made by volunteers are multi-faceted and enhance the services of the MS Society by:• Bringing a diverse community perspective to the Society• Providing a wide variety of ideas, skills and experiences• Keeping the organization accountable to its mission• Bringing credibility because you are not financially

compensated• Acting as ambassadors by generating/elevating public

awareness of multiple sclerosis

The goal of the MS HOPE Volunteer Program is to make sure you remain connected to the Society as part of the MS HOPE Volunteer Team. This newsletter is one way for you to stay connected and will inform you of what is going on at the Chapter in both the Cowichan Valley and Victoria offices.

MS HOPE Volunteer Program Philosophy

Inside this Issue:Executive DirectorUpdates

2

Feature Community Parter

3

Upcoming Events & volunteer opportunities

4-5

Current Client Services Volunteer Opportunities

5

The Finity Project 6-7Contact Information 8

MS HOPE VOluntEEr nEwSlEttEr

March 2013

Social Media contest!“Like” us on Facebook or “Follow”

us on Twitter for your chance to win a date night!

Dinner at Kelsey’s Victoria and a movie for two!

Facebook: MS Society of Canada,South & Central Vancouver Island

Twitter: @SVIChapter(contest closes March 25th 2013)

MS HOPE Volunteer NewsletterPage 2 MS HOPE Volunteer NewsletterPage 2

On January 1, 2013 the MS Society of Canada’s South and Central Vancouver Island Chapters formally joined together to become the South & Central Vancouver Island Chapter. Our staff and volunteers look forward to supporting our members from Greater Victoria to the Cowichan Valley and the Central Island area from Ladysmith to Parksville/Qualicum. This re-organization maintains our current staffing levels and will allow our new chapter to operate as efficiently and effectively as possible in support of our mission.

As we are primarily a self-funded organization we rely on our ability to fundraise to support our programs and services at our MS Chapter and to contribute towards MS research. What can we all do to help? Join our MS Walk – Victoria and Duncan is set for April 14 and Nanaimo and Port Alberni on April 28, or our MS Bike Tour set for July 6 & 7, sponsor a MS Walk or Bike Tour participant, make a general or research donation or volunteer at the chapter or at a fundraising

event. Every contribution helps move us closer to improving the quality of life for our members and to ending MS.

Our programs and services continue to offer a wide variety of options and I encourage everyone to check out our monthly calendar or look up our website and see what is coming up that is of interest to you.

Our Client Services team continue to work hard on providing a wide variety of programs and services on behalf of individuals living with MS in order to improve quality of life. We aim to increase awareness about multiple sclerosis among the general public, promote the MS Society mission and inspire new and existing supporters to become engaged with our mission and activities.To see the latest news on MS please look up our website at www.mssociety.ca or call us and we can continue the conversation.

Executive Director’s Update by Todd Abercrombie

Notice of December 31, 2012 Annual General Meeting

The MS Society of Canada, South & Central Vancouver Island Chapter, is pleased to announce that the December 31, 2012 Annual General Meeting will be held on Friday, May 31, 2013 in Victoria at the MS Society Office, located at 1004 North Park Street. Lunch and refreshments will be served from 12 pm, the meeting will be held from 12:15 to 1:00 pm followed by our keynote speaker (to be determined) from 1pm to 2pm.

Nominations to the Board of Directors

At this time the, the Nominations Committee of the MS Society of Canada, South & Central Vancouver Island Chapter Board of Directors is accepting nominations for the 2013 Board. Potential candidates may be nominated by any two MS Society members by submitting in writing to any current board member or the Executive Director the name(s) and qualifications of the candidate(s).

The Nominations Committee is looking for the following individual skills in potential candidates: • health related background, • governance background, • legal background, • understanding of service provision in non-profit sector, • major gift/planed giving experience,• government relations experienceIn order to give the Nominations Committee time to review the nominees and complete the screening process, the deadline for nominations is Monday April 1, 2013. The Committee’s selection will be presented to the membership in the AGM notification mail out.

Please send nominations to:Todd Abercrombie, Executive DirectorMS Society of Canada1004 North Park StreetVictoria, BC V8T 1C6Or via email: [email protected]

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The MS Bike Tour leads participants through the rolling hills of the Cowichan Valley up to distances of 100km. Keeping 400+ cyclists safe, supported and on the right route is no small feat and would be impossible without the experienced riders of the Defenders Motorcycle Club, Chapter 12 and Chapter 49.

The Defenders Motorcycle Club is a Canadian organization comprised of men and women who share the common love of motorcycling. It was established in 1984 with chapters from coast to coast throughout Canada. They promote riding safety and endeavor to improve the public's viewpoint on motorcycling.

Sharing a common hobby with fellow Veterans (serving, non-serving and civilians) often makes the transition back to civilian life a bit easier. Some Veterans have found adjusting once again to civilian life difficult as a result of what they may have experienced during their service in the military. Through the Defenders many have found that the camaraderie of fellow Vets and serving their community has again made them feel valued and that what they are doing is worthwhile.

Shortly after the Defenders Motorcycle Club was founded they identified a desire to give back to the community and began their long standing support of the War Amps Child Amputee (CHAMP) Program, raising funds to support the goal of the program which encourages child amputees to accept their amputations and develop a positive approach to challenges. The Defenders Clubs across Canada are also supportive of a variety of other charities. Chapters 12 and 49 do a lot of fundraising on the Island and have chosen to be principally involved with the MS Society.

“We have over the last 10 years really enjoyed helping out with the MS Grape Escape by providing Road Marshaling, First Aid and Communications.” – Pat Cassels, MS Bike Tour, Safety & Communications Coordinator and Defenders Nanaimo Chapter 49 President

We are so thankful for the experience, care and broad smiles the Defenders members bring to the MS Bike Tour. They are serious about safety and allow our participants to ride feeling supported and cared for.

Feature Community Partner - Defenders Motorcyle Club

MS HOPE Volunteer NewsletterPage 4

Upcoming Events - Together We Will End MSOur annual fundraising events allow us to work towards our mission and provide the valuable programs and services to those affected by MS in our community. We invite you to participate in the upcoming events and help us end MS. There are many ways to support these events: as a participant; as a volunteer; and/or as a donor. We are happy to help you find the best way for you to participate and to help you determine which event suits your interests and abilities best.

Scotiabank MS WALK

Lace up for someone you love. Join us at your local WALK to celebrate your fundraising achievements and show those living with multiple sclerosis in our communities that they are not alone. Each event is accessible and features food and entertainment.

To register as a fundraiser please visit www.mswalks.ca or give your local MS Office a call. Encourage family and friends to participate in their local MS WALK if they cannot join you in your community.

Victoria MS WALK - Sunday April 14th at Willows Beach ParkDuncan MS WALK – Sunday April 14th at the Cowichan SportsplexNanaimo MS WALK – Sunday April 28th at Sutton Maffeo ParkPort Alberni MS WALK – Sunday April 28th at the Somass Legion

MS Awareness Month & the MS Carnation Campaign – May 2013

Increasing awareness of this disease helps connect those affected by MS to us and educates others about MS and the impact their involvement with the Society can have. Throughout the month of May there will be several opportunities to learn about MS, connect with the MS Society and support us financially. For information on how we will be increasing awareness of MS in May please visit the MS Awareness Month page on our website.

The MS Carnation Campaign will be taking place on Friday May 10th and Saturday May 11th. We are currently looking for organized, outgoing leaders to be Carnation Site Team Leaders and Carnation

Canvassers. Please connect with Ting Rattigan at [email protected] or 250-388-6496 ext. 241 to discuss these positions.

MS Bike Tour – July 6-7

Experience the best the Cowichan Valley has to offer while supporting those you love affected by MS. This two day, fully-supported bike tour is open to all cycling levels. Participants explore the wineries, art studios, farms, and historical sites of the Valley on a variety of route length options. The event features wine-tastings, amazing food, beautiful scenery and is a great team-building opportunity. This is an exceptional event experience and a unique summer ‘staycation’. Visit www.cowichanvalleygrapeescape.com to learn more about the event. Cowichan Valley Grape Escape

July 6-7, 2013

www.msbiketours.ca

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MS HOPE Volunteers Help End MS!

As you have probably seen through volunteering with us it takes hundreds of dedicated volunteers around BC and Yukon to make our events possible. If you or someone you know is looking for a great volunteer experience encourage them to join the MS HOPE Volunteer Team!

Current event volunteer opportunities include leadership positions on event organizing committees, pre-event preparation positions, and many day-of-event positions in all of the upcoming events.

To volunteer for the MS WALK, MS Awareness Month or the MS Bike Tour please contact: - Charmaine Niebergall in Victoria at 250-388-6496 ext. 245 or, - MaryAnn Branting in Duncan at 250-748-7010.

We are blessed to have members of our community create fun and engaging events to support the mission of the MS Society. Thanks to the following events for raising

funds on behalf of the MS Society:

VIGSA Gala and Family Skate for MS – February 2013Cowichan Chefs Table - March 10Red Art Gallery’s Picture A Cure - March 13-31Church and State Wine & Dine for MS - May 4Fort Street Cycle Beginner Tri for MS - May 5Cherry Bomb Toys Toy Auction for MS - May 5

To learn more about these events or how to create your own MS event please visit the Fundraising Special Events tab on our website

DUNCAN: Current Client Services Volunteer OpportunitiesEnhance the experience of members at the South and Central Vancouver

Island Chapter by providing support and more!

Be a Friendly VisitorWe are hoping to find a special person to visit and shoot the breeze with a 40 year-old male living with MS in a care facility. If you or someone you know may be just right for this opportunity, please contact Diane at 250-748-7010 or [email protected] for more information or to volunteer. An interview and screening will be required.

Crafts & CardsIn this role you will assist the Crafting Group with preparing the craft supplies and card packages. Craft Group runs Wednesdays from 12:30pm-2:30pm or longer. Please contact Diane at 250-748-7010.

Community Fundraising Events

MS HOPE Volunteer NewsletterPage 6

Finity is the awareness of one’s own finite existence. So many people wake up each day with the knowledge that this day could be the last they are given breath, the ability to walk, or the beauty to see; and for those who miss out on this awareness, The Finity Project strives to awaken it.

Six years ago, at opposite ends of the country, Lee-Anne Fava and I (Kara Byrne) both experienced what would be the first symptoms of Multiple Sclerosis. The onset of temporary blindness in both of our left eyes became the beginning of our journey with this disease. Our introduction to each other nearly two years ago became something so much bigger than we could have ever imagined. On that day in May 2011, when I met Lee-Anne for the first time, I had no idea I was shaking hands with the Co-Founder of The Finity Project, and neither did she.

On September 9, 2012, we left on a journey around the world to film an eight-episode series intended for t.v. in which Lee-Anne and I would take on eight challenges for charity.

What happened:Lee-Anne and I completed 4 challenges, fighting all the way against Mother Nature, halted by political tension, frightened by tragedy, and forever changed by the experience.

It began with a political situation in Tunisia, causing us to cancel our Sahara Desert Trek for the Simon Keith Foundation. We then attempted the Three Peaks Challenge in the UK in hopes

of completing an event for Simon Keith. After reaching the top of the highest peak in the UK (Ben Nevis in Scotland), in 60 m/hr winds and heavy rain and fog, and hearing that skilled hikers on the mountain ahead of us were stranded at the top and forced to camp overnight, we had to make the decision not to continue on.

We flew home to Canada feeling a little discouraged, but ready to continue. The marathon was to be our next event, but was

understandably cancelled after the devastation caused by Hurricane Sandy. We also had to cancel our challenge in Costa Rica due to the unexpected events and the hit our production budget took as a result. I should also mention that an experienced jumper died in a tragic accident at the airfield where we

skydived one week before our arrival; it was the first accident they’d had in 40

years.

With all of that said, these are not the things that come to mind when I think about The Finity Project. I am currently sorting through the footage of what I did have the honour of capturing. While we spent most of the hockey tournament yardsailing centre ice, we were still able to meet some of the kids and their families that benefit from the foundation and it made every bruise and embarrassing wipe-out worthwhile.

In Kamloops, I fell/flew five times in 12km while Lee-Anne nearly peed herself mid-giggle fits, we watched many supporters pedal as far as 100km for a cure, and volunteers put their hearts into every sign, every sandwich, and every greeting. On the Great Wall in China, we had the honor

The Finity Project by Kara Bryne

Lee-Anne Fava and Kara Bryne at theMS Bike Tour in Kamloops.

Page 7MS HOPE Volunteer Newsletter

of meeting a man who recently lost his mother, struggled with his weight, and had knee surgery one month before attempting the wall. We also watched him take one step at a time, no matter how painful. We met a girl whose best friend is on a transplant list, diagnosed as one of the top 10 worst cases of organ failure in the UK, a young mother with 60% hearing loss, another young woman who was deaf, another who was legally blind and whose albinism caused her to get sick on the climb, a man who lost his young niece to cancer, and a mother and daughter who suffered a recent loss of their husband/father and were there raising money for their own foundation, Mothers Against Murder and Aggression; their son/brother was murdered not long ago and you could see the pieces of their family missing in their eyes... but they smiled anyway. It was incredible. We went there thinking that maybe we had something to teach people and we did nothing but learn.

Three days later, on Lee-Anne’s 25th birthday, we jumped out of a plane at 11,800 feet in London for

Cystic Fibrosis; for a young man of 26, living with a liver he was given at 11, a disease he and his brother have both battled so bravely, and a zest for life that had him falling freely through the sky. He’s the kind of person who says, “excuse me” after every time he coughs, which is all the time. He has a perspective that will forever change yours, and he has the kind of heart that should beat for much longer than his body will allow. All of this and more have brought us Finity.

What happens now:With sponsorship by Adidas, WestJet, Stormtech, and so many other incredible companies, nearly $13,000 raised for charity, and a community that amazed us when it formed in support of the project, we have an obligation to anyone who’s ever fought for something, to tell this story.

We also have two guaranteed entries into the 2013 New York City Marathon on Team Fox, and there is more than enough footage to produce a feature-length documentary film highlighting our journey with all that stood in our way and all that we accomplished.

The Finity Project has never been about a specific achievement. It has never been about winning or losing. It is about the human spirit. It’s about the fight. It’s about how beautiful the sound of laughter is; the way it echoes when we’re passing through an empty hallway of hard times. The Finity Project is about hope; by

these standards it was an absolute success, and I’m beginning to see it as I review all that was filmed.

Lee-Anne Fava and Kara Bryne adventure around the world completing challenges for charity. Pictured here: skydiving in

London, Kara trekking the Great Wall of China and the 24 hour hockey tournament.

To meet Lee-Anne and Kara, see footage and hear more about this

amazing story- please join us during May

MS Awareness Month.

MS HOPE Volunteer NewsletterPage 8

Victoria Office 1004 North Park StreetVictoria, BC V8T 1C6

Phone: 250-388-6496 Fax: 250-361-2661

E-mail: charmaine.niebergall

@mssociety.ca

Cowichan Valley Office#203-394 Duncan Street

Duncan, BC V9L 3W4

Phone/Fax: 250-748-7010

E-mail: maryann.branting

@mssociety.ca

Central Island OfficeBox # 39046

Nanaimo, BC V9R 7B7

Phone: 250-754-6321 E-mail:

janice.howson @mssociety.ca

www.facebook.com/MSSocietySVIC

www.flickr.com/photos/mssocietycrc

@SVIChapter

www.youtube.com/MSSVIChapter

TO UNSUBSCRIBE:To unsubscribe from this newsletter please call Charmaine at

250-388-6496 ext. 245 or email your name and address with “Unsubscribe” in the subject line to [email protected]

Newsletter Disclaimer: The MS HOPE Volunteer 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.

South and Central Vancouver Island Chapter

VISIT US ONLINE!www.mssociety.ca/chapters

BECOME AN MS HOPE LEADERSHIP VOLUNTEERContribute your professional or personal experience, knowledge and abilities to continuing the success of the MS Society’s fundraising special events and be a leader in your community. Leadership Volunteers are vital members of our event organizing committees providing input on the development, planning and execution of each special event. Leadership Volunteers make a commitment to a specific role within the committee pre-, during and post-event, to attend one meeting per month, and to complete additional work related to the committee on your own time as required. To discuss joining an MS Event Committee contact Charmaine at 250-388-6496 x 240 or email Charmaine at [email protected] to discuss the available opportunities.