MS HOPE - MS Society · MS HOPE Volunteer Newsletter Page 3 MS Bike Tour – July 6-7, 2013 The Cowichan Valley Grape Escape is a two-day, fully supported bike tour. It features amazing

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 at the Cowichan Valley and Victoria offices.

MS HOPE Volunteer Program Philosophy

Inside this Issue:Fundraising Impact 2Upcoming Events 3-4Thank You! Event Photos

5

Volunteer Appreciation Tea

6

Welcome to New Staff & Client Service Volunteer Opportunities

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Contact Information 8

MS HOPE VOluntEEr nEwSlEttEr

June 2013

Join us at the MS Bike Tour!

Volunteer at the Cowichan Valley Grape Escape - MS Bike Tour!

There is a position for everyone and lots of group volunteer opportunities. Requirements and time commitments vary with each position allowing you to choose something that fits into your busy schedule! All volunteers receive the exclusive MS HOPE volunteer t-shirt, a meal or snacks on event day and an unforgettable experience to put on your resume and in your memory books! To volunteer, please contact our volunteer coordinator Charmaine Niebergall at [email protected] or at 250-388-6496 xt. 245

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The island has been abuzz over the last few months with a variety of activities

which fund our local programs and services. We recognize that our ability to support those living with MS relies heavily on your participation in fundraising events and your ability to engage donors in your

efforts. We thank you for all of your hard work and creative fundraising efforts to

continue to make our fundraisingevents a huge success.

Scotiabank MS WALKsTogether our Chapter MS WALKs raised over $308,000!!!The Scotiabank MS WALKs took place in April in Victoria, Duncan, Nanaimo and Port Alberni. Together we engaged 1237 fundraisers on 133 teams in the fight to end MS. Each event had its’ own unique community feel and was blessed with amazing weather. The energy at each of the events was contagious. It was great to see so many of those living with MS at the events with your family and friends. Help us connect with your networks by inviting them to join you at events like these. Its of immense importance to our fundraising success. Thank you for your support. Congratulations to our top Friends & Family and Corporate fundraising teams from each MS WALK:

• Team Turner and MNW in Port Alberni;

• Marshmellow Moments and Team Dianeomite in Nanaimo;

• Darcie’s Gang and Power’s Flowers in Duncan; and

• Millennium Stars and RBC in Victoria.

MS Awareness Month

The MS Society of Canada marks the month of May as MS Awareness Month. Across the country, we collectively aim to increase awareness about Multiple Sclerosis, inform the public about the MS Society’s mission and services, and engage new and existing supporters in our efforts to end MS.

Many activities took place over the month of May to allow just that. The Annual Carnation Campaign in Victoria and Duncan were once again at the centre of our efforts to increase awareness and fundraising. Complementing the longstanding event were two music nights in Victoria, a booth at the Cowichan Valley Farmer’s Market, Carnation Crawls through local pubs to sell live carnations and our first ever participation in the Victoria Day Parade to name a few. Everywhere you looked the MS Society was represented and it showed in the strong fundraising received.

Altogether, over $28,000 was donated during MS Awareness Month!

Fundraising Impact Up & Down the Island

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MS Bike Tour – July 6-7, 2013The Cowichan Valley Grape Escape is a two-day, fully supported bike tour. It features amazing food, great entertainment, and a wide variety of points of interest along the route including local artisans, farms, and wineries. We are really pleased with the progress of the MS Bike Tour leading into the event. Currently there are 499 cyclists taking part who have already raised just under $96,000 online with lots more to come. We are currently looking for volunteers to support the event. There are a wide variety of options available. Contact Charmaine at 250-388-6496 ext. 245 or [email protected] to volunteer. To learn more about the event please visit www.cowichanvalleygrapeescape.com.

Annual MS Golf Tournament in Nanaimo – August 21, 2013Join us for a great day of golf at the 5th Annual MS Golf Tournament. Hosted at the Nanaimo Golf Club, this Texas Scramble tournament starts with check-in and a putting contest at 11:30am, followed by a shotgun start at 1:30pm. Featured throughout the day are several specialities to participate in for both men and women including Beat the Pro, Closest to the Pin, Longest Drive and Hole-in-One. After your round you will enjoy a banquet dinner and silent auction. For more information or to register visit http://mssoc.convio.net/MSGolf.

A&W Cruisin’ For A Cause – August 22, 2013Cruisin’ for a Cause Day unites A&W’s Canadian Cruisin’ history and delicious burgers with the Multiple Sclerosis Society of Canada’s goal to find a cure for MS. In 2012 Cruisin’ for a Cause raised over $1.3 million for the MS Society of Canada, making it the largest single fundraising event in support of ending MS in Canada. Visit your local A&W on Thursday August 22nd to participate. $1.00 from

every Teen Burger purchased that day across Canada will go to support those living with MS. Many locations will also have contests, prizes, music, games and beautiful classic cars to increase awareness, engagement and fun!

End MS Runners Team: GoodLife Fitness Victoria Marathon - October 13, 2013

We are proud to be one of 19 charities chosen to be a part of the Times Colonist Charity Pledge Program for the Victoria Marathon. Members of the End MS Runners Team receive exclusive team perks during the marathon as well as guidance from our Team Captain, Daniel Ethier, an accomplished runner, and fundraising support from our team. Learn more about our team or join to fundraise today at http://mssoc.convio.net/EndMSRunners.

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Upcoming Events

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There are many innovative people in our communities who come up with great ways to raise funds for the MS Society. Here are the initiatives that are going on this summer.

Chasing Crows by Frank Wilson and the Victoria Art Therapy Group

This collection of poetry is based on writing accumulated over the past two or three years by poet Frank Wilson. The poems have been brought to life with paintings done by the MS Society Art Therapy Group. To Frank and the Art Therapy Group this collection of paintings and poems exemplifies what can be achieved by those who work their way around the difficulties which MS brings to produce something of beauty and charm. The book is available for purchase for $30 from the MS Society office in Victoria. To purchase yours please drop by or call 250-388-6496 ext. 0 to order one.

Scutt’s’ Cutt - June - October 2013Assistant Golf Pro Gordy Scutt is fundraising for MS! After 3 years of growing out his hair and enduring all the razz that came with it, he’s finally SHAVING IT ALL OFF!!! Since a family member was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis, the MS Society became very close to his heart. Gordy will raise funds and awareness at his club’s Men’s Night, at tournaments he will compete in this summer, and through the community Gordy. His goal is to raise $10,000!

HtO Thetis Lake Swim for MS - Sunday July 28, 2013The 21st Annual HtO Thetis Lake Swim for MS is open to all ages and all abilities. Challenge your open water swimming skills with a 800m, 1.5km, 3km, or 5km swim. Fifty percent of funds raised will go toward research to find a cure for MS. The other 50% will go towards funding a fitness program for people with MS in our community. Your participation helps make a difference in the lives of those impacted by Multiple Sclerosis. For more information or to register visit http://thetislakeswim.wordpress.com/.

These outstanding community events raised $22,700 over the past few months! Thanks to the following groups for your support and creativity!

• Red Art Gallery’s ‘Picture A Cure’ in March raised $2700• Brentwood Rotary Gala Nite Out in May raised $3700• Fort Street Cycle Beginner Tri for MS in May raised $15,000• Cherry Bomb Toys Toy Auction for MS in May raised $1300

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

Community Fundraising Events


Thank you for being part of our events! - Together We Will End MS

We have had a very busy season indeed! May was MS Awareness month and it was full to the brim of fantastic, fun, unique and successful fundraising and community awareness events! Some of these events were put on by YOU, our fantastic volunteers and supporters! Check out what’s been happening all over the South Island area, including: MS Carnation Campaign, The Cherry Bomb Toy Fair, The Victoria Day Parade and the Moka House Hillside Music Nights! MS Carnation Campaign

The Victoria Day Parade Cherry Bomb Toy Fair

Moka House Hillside Music Nights

MS HOPE Volunteer NewsletterPage 6 Page 6MS HOPE Volunteer Newsletter

April 2013 marked another fantastic Volunteer Recognition week and we celebrated our Client Services MS Hope volunteers with a tea party!

52 amazing volunteers come into the center every week to help us with everything from serving coffee to running the library to helping in the gym and more! We couldn’t do it without them and although a small token of appreciation, we love throwing a party every year in their honor.

A special thank you goes out to these individuals who work hard to collaborate with staff and clients to make our center run smoothly and with care. We really appreciate your hard work and dedication to our mission.

Another very special thank you goes out to Fruition Paletas for generously donating a special treat for this event. Learn more about them by visiting www.fruitionpaletas.com.

More help is always needed! If you or someone you know might be interested in joining this very important team, please contact me at [email protected] or 250-388-6496 x222.

Keep in mind that we are happy to build a position around your skills and availability. Come and help us give you the experience you need!

Volunteer Appreciaton Tea


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

Island Chapter by providing support and more!

DUNCAN: Be a Friendly VisitorAre you a great conversationalist? Can you spare an hour to brighten someone’s day? How about having a chat and spending some time with someone living with MS? We are looking for a male who is the right fit as a “Friendly Visitor” to visit a male living with MS at 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.

VICTORIAPhysiotherapy Assistant

Tuesday- Friday, 9-3pm. One to five hour shifts at the MS Society physiotherapy facility.

Office SupportWe’re looking for talented people that can take payments, answer phones, welcome clients and provide client support (One hour per week OR on call positions available).

Client SupportWeekday help needed to improve the client experience in a variety of ways. One to four hour shifts.

Please contact Katie at 250-388-6496 ext. 222 or [email protected] for more information or to volunteer for any of these positions. An interview and screening will be required.

I joined the MS Bike Tour as the Day of Event Coordinator in my third year of university. Event planning seemed like an interesting career; however, I had not actually tried any event planning. When I found the Cowichan Valley Grape Escape, I was immediately attracted to the concept of combining cycling, fundraising, and wine tasting.

For the past two Bike Tours, I was the Day of Event Coordinator. I ran Volunteer Check-In, registered the volunteers and made sure they had all the necessary information and equipment. I learned how much effort from both staff and volunteers is required to put on a large scale fundraiser!

The next summer, I brought my mom to the Bike Tour with me. She loved the idyllic setting of Shawnigan Lake School and volunteering in different parts of the event. This year, I am happy that I will be attending the Bike Tour as a staff member! Every volunteer, participant, client and staff I met at the Bike Tours were so friendly and positive. I knew from my first Bike Tour that the MS Society would be a great place to work!

Jenny and her mom Jayme Chan

Welcome Jenny Chan to the Chapter Team!

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 HOPELEADERSHIP VOLUNTEER!

Contribute your professional or personal experience, knowledge and abilities 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. 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.

MS HOPE - MS Society · MS HOPE Volunteer Newsletter Page 3 MS Bike Tour – July 6-7, 2013 The Cowichan Valley Grape Escape is a two-day, fully supported bike tour. It features amazing

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