MAKING STRIDES CENTRAL WEST ONTARIO DIVISION WWW.MSSOCIETY.CA

WATERLOO

HURON

CAMBRIDGE

GREY/BRUCE COUNTY PERT

WELLING-

November– December 2014

MS Society: Central West Ontario

Laura Barry, Regional Client Services Coordinator

519-569-8789 ext 3198 laura.barry@mssociety.ca

Donna Smith-Holst, Community Outreach

Coordinator

519 821-5554 info.wellington@mssociety.ca

Sherry Gibbs , Community Resource Coordinator,

Bruce /Grey

Sherry.gibbs@mssociety.ca

Kim Kay , Regional Fundraising Coordinator

519-569-8789 ext .3196 kim.kay@mssociety.ca

Penny Burton, Regional Director

519-569-8789 ext. 3197 penny.burton@mssociety.ca

Summer Events at MS Society 2

A Taste for Fashion 3

Feature Program: Live and Learn 4

5

Regional Updates 6

7

Volunteers at the MS Society 8

Take Charge, Take Control 9

CONTENTS

Mission Statement To be a leader in finding a cure for

multiple sclerosis and enabling peo-

ple affected by MS to enhance their

quality of life.

All programming and services of the MS Society are offered in barrier free facilities

Volunteers from our Taste for Fashion Fundraiser

Summer @ Central West Ontario

9 and dine to end MS was a successful fun-filled evening. Golfers and fundraisers came out to enjoy the

gorgeous evening, a round of golf, Jazz music provided by TM Jazz, a silent auction and appetizers. We

could not have had a successful night without the golfers, fundraisers, volunteers and sponsors: Pickseed,

Newport Private Wealth, Edward Jones and Sean Cuddy from Remax.

Tee Off Fore MS was the first annual charity golf tournament in support of finding a cure for MS. The pro-

ceeds from this event are going to support the MS Society of Canada’s Bruce/Grey Chapter in its efforts to

find a cure for MS and to enable people affected by multiple sclerosis to enhance their quality of life. Huge

thank you to the participants, volunteers, and sponsors: Mackhall Mobility, Glen and Brenda Reay,

Creemore Springs, MTC Computers, Kincardine Family Health Team, Ford, Trucks on the GO and Truckers

Toy.

Our Garage sale on October

4th, 2014 was a huge suc-

cess. MS Society, Central

West Ontario raised almost

$700 and community mem-

bers walked a way with a

treasure or two. A big thank

you to our volunteers who

helped to organize, sell and

clean up, we could not have

done it without you.

Garage Sale to End MS Want to find out about our events? We’re on social media!

Like us on Facebook:

https://www.facebook.com/

mssocietycentralwestontario

Follow us on Twitter:

@mssocietyevents

Visit our websites:

Cambridge: www.mssociety.ca/cambridge

Grey/Bruce: www.mssociety.ca/brucecounty

Waterloo: www.mssociety.ca/waterloo

Wellington::www.mssociety.ca/wellington

On July 12th, 2014 was Wellington’s annual Golf Fore a Cure. This annual golf tournament that sold out for

the second year in a row and raised over $20,000. It was held at the Springfield Golf and Country Club in

Guelph. Organized by a volunteer committee led by Tanya Richardson shows what a committed group of

volunteers can accomplish. Special thank you to golfers, volunteers and sponsors: A & A Mechanical Solu-

tions Inc, Armtec, Court Galvanizing Ltd, Embree & Co LLP, Fostet Manufacturing Inc, Hoare Roofing Inc, Jay

Fencing Ltd, Juno Electric, Korzite Coatings Inc, Richardson Family, Sauble Falls Bed and Breakfast, Stephen

Jones, TD Agricultural Services, TD Wealth Private Investment Advice and Triumph Tool Ltd

A Taste for Fashion

This years A Taste for Fashion event was a success featuring delicious food, drink, fashion, dance

and live music from TM Jazz. This years theme was Great Gatsby featuring with 1920’s inspired fash-

ion. Thank you to all our dedicated volunteers who modeled, served, decorated and greeted guests,

it wouldn’t have been a success without you. Thank you to our sponsors: Delirium, Seasons, Jewelry

Secrets, Channers, La Crème, Voila, Red Astaire, Innocente Brewing Company, Silver Lake, Liaison

College, Gordon's Goat Dairy, Tim Horton's, CBI Health Group, Subaru, Scherer leasing Inc., and the

Waterloo Region Record Community Partnership Program.

A model featuring an elegant gown from La

Creme

A group photo featuring our dedicated volunteers

Taco Farm preparing a delicious meal Two fashion show committee members smiling at

the success of the night

Feature Program: “Live and Learn”

Guelph Location: Arbour Trails Retirement Village, Hobby Room, 32 Bayberry Drive (in the

Arboretum - Stone Road)

Date Speaker & Topic

September 25 12pm-2pm

M S & You - What is it? Treatment and Coping Options Penny Burton, Regional Director

MS Society, Central West Ontario and Laura Barry, Regional Client Services Coordinator,

Central West Ontario

November 27 12pm-2pm

Kelly Gee, VON Regional SMART Coordinator will present an overview of the VON

SMART exercise program designed specifically for those dealing with MS

January 22 12pm-2pm

Communications 101 - Boot Camp for Patients. Presented by Langs - Waterloo Wellington

Self-Management Program. How to get the most out of the medical system

March 26 12pm-2pm

MS & You & Your Caregiver. Presented by: a representative from the Canadian Mental

Health Assoc.

May 28 12pm-2pm

A visit by a Companion (Therapy) Dog. Presented by Jill Casanette, St. John Ambulance

Guelph Location: Riverside Glen Retirement Village, Town Hall room, 60 Woodlawn Road

East, Guelph

Date Speaker & Topic

October 23

12pm-2pm

Pilates for M S. Caitlin Bovee, Certified Pilates Instructor. Caitlin has been teaching for

14 years specializing in MS and a variety of neurological conditions.

February 26

12pm-2pm

Chantale Michaud - Registered Holistic Nutritionist - Chantale will provide recipes using

anti-inflammatory foods - Lunch will be provided using these type of foods.

April 23 12pm-

2pm

Farhana Jessa - Occupational Therapist. Topic: Neuroplasticity and Meditation / Mindful-

ness and nature for brain health

June 25 12pm-

2pm

A fun afternoon of Wine Glass Painting and socializing to close the 2014 - 2015 season

Bruce/Grey Location: Various locations around Bruce/Grey

Date Topic and Speaker

October 20 7pm-9pm

Shawna Cox, a certified reflexologist will be coming to discuss the practice of reflexology

with MS patients Location: Elgin Lodge, 551 Mary St. Port Elgin

November 17 7pm-9pm

Speaker: TBD Location: 867 10th Street West

December 15 7pm-9pm

A talk outlining the Registered Disability Savings Plan (RDSP) Location: 867 10th Street West

In 2012 Lynne Murphy, a dedicated member and volunteer of MS Society:

Wellington Chapter, was asked to run a “self-help” group but came to the

conclusion that these meetings would be more beneficial if there was an

educational component involved. The idea for “Live and Learn” demon-

strates how someone can live well with MS and learn as they go. Lynne has

worked extensively within the Wellington County at growing this program

and connecting with community partners to provide knowledge and re-

sources to the clients of the MS Society. In the past Lynne has connected

with dieticians, physiotherapists, healthcare professionals, and many more

to help support clients through continual learning. The “Live and Learn” pro-

gram has been so successful and we are excited to announce that it is being

modelled in Kitchener/Waterloo and Cambridge in beginning in 2015.

Lynne Murphy presenting a certificate of apprecia-

tion to Arbour Trails Retirement Residence Staff for

hosting the Wellington Live and Learn.

Regional Live and Learn Schedule

Waterloo Location: 35 Belmont Ave. West, Kitchener

Live and Learn will happen in during an hour of our existing Lunch Bunch

Program. Light Refreshments will be provided.

Date Speaker/Topic

January 19th

12pm-1pm

Melissa Reid, MSW, RSW will discuss coping mechanisms when living with a

chronic condition

February 9th

12pm-1pm

Jennifer Shamblaw RD, is presenting her “Energy In! Energy Out!” Workshop

which will demonstrate how to obtain optimal fuel with a healthy diet

March 16th

12pm-1pm

Kylie Martin, R. Kin will discuss her workshop “Slips, Trips and the Fear of

Falling” which will outline fall prevention tools

April 15th,

12pm-1pm

Laura Barry, Client Services Coordinator of the MS Society will present “MS

and You” which will go over information about MS and current treatment op-

tions.

Feature Program: “Live and Learn”

Cambridge Location: The Dunfield, 30 Light Dr, Cambridge, ON

Light Refreshments will be provided Date Topic and Speaker

January 7, 2015

6:30pm-8:30pm Melissa Reid, MSW, RSW will discuss coping mechanisms when living with a

chronic condition

February 11, 2015

6:30pm-8:30pm Julia Pilliar RD, is presenting her “Energy In! Energy Out!” Workshop which

will outline how to obtain optimal fuel with a healthy diet

March 11, 2015

6:30pm-8:30pm Jessica Kuntz R. Kin will discuss her workshop “Slips, Trips and the Fear of

Falling” which will outline fall prevention tools

April 8, 2015

6:30pm-8:30pm Lynn Cooper, president of the Canadian Pain Coalition and a person living

with chronic pain will discuss how to live with chronic pain in everyday life

Laura Barry, Client Services Coordinator of the MS Society will present “MS

and You” which will go over information about MS and current treatment op-

tions. May 13, 2015

6:30pm-8:30pm Brandi Thomson, R. Kin will discuss the Neurofit and Fitness for Function pro-

grams and the benefits of exercise for those living with a neurological condi-

tion

June 10, 2015

6:30pm-8:30pm Laura Barry, Client Services Coordinator of the MS Society will present “MS

and You” which will go over information about MS and current treatment op-

tions. July 8, 2015

6:30pm-8:30pm Donna Smith-Holst, reflexologist will discuss an introduction to the practice of

reflexology how you can use reflexology to feel better every day

August 12, 2015

6:30pm-8:30pm A certified yoga instructor, will discuss the practice and benefits of yoga and

modifications for those who live with MS

Regional Updates

Wellington and Waterloo Chapter Needs:

Carnation Campaign Coordinator to collaborate with the office to drive

the campaign. This person must be comfortable with details relating

to one of the top Campaigns in

the province. Must work with commu-nity coordinators in Erin, Arthur, Har-

riston, Fergus, prospect advance sales, set up and insurance for a doz-

en or so sales site within Guelph, Kitchener, Waterloo and around 100 to 120 volunteers. Requires considerable time in

April and May including Mother's Day Weekend.

What’s Happening in Wellington?

This past year, a committee of volunteers, clients with MS and

staff came together to discuss ways to strengthen our client

services program and offer consistent support throughout the

province so that no person with MS was left out in Ontario. The

committee concluded that the merger of certain chapters would

lead to more efficiencies and better services for people with MS.

Thus Cambridge, Kitchener-Waterloo and Wellington (Central

West Ontario) have decided to partner in an effort to ensure

that we are able to give our clients more support.

Because all of our programming and support occurs offsite,

away from the office, Donna, the board and myself decided that

you would be best if Donna works from home. This will allow

her to be more active in the community and give her the ability

to attend more programming events. This move will also de-

crease our administrative costs allowing us to further our mis-

sion - giving to those affected by MS within our community.

Donna will still be a huge part of the Wellington community to

run programming and act as a support for those living with MS.

Donna can still be reached Tuesday to Thursday from 10am to

3pm at 519 821 5554. At any other time, Laura Barry, Regional

Client Services Coordinator can be reached at 519 821 5554 ext

3198 to provide you with support and advice.

For those clients who are receiving monthly SAP funding, please

forward your applications and receipts to Joanne Duffy Ad-

amson at joanne.duffy.adamson@gmail.com or at 7509 Conser-

vation Road, Guelph, ON. N1H 6J2.

If you require any further information please contact Penny Bur-

ton at penny.burton@mssociety.ca or 519 569 8789. Thank you.

Cakes & Cookies in Central West Ontario

This traditional campaign is cherished by

those who are past baking themselves & those

who want to enjoy a little decadence

Are you one of our diligent volunteers who helps us sell cakes and cookies? We can't

do it without you. Thank you!

How Can You Help Next Year?

volunteer to sell at one of our sales locations coordinate an order at your condo, work, club,

school or church help us deliver orders offer to set up and return stock to one of our

sales sites Talk it up

Please email info.wellington@mssociety.ca if you want to get involved

Bruce/Grey, We Want to Hear from You!

Have an idea for a speaker for a live and

learn session?

Want to see a particular program run in

your area?

Are we not making it out to your communi-

ty?

Let us know, we want to best support us.

Please send suggestions/comments to:

Sherry Gibbs at sherry.gibbs@mssociety.ca or

Laura Barry at laura.barry@mssociety.ca

Regional Updates

Waterloo: Crafting for a Cure Craft

Group

Our craft group has been busy preparing crafts for our

craft bazar. We have painted flower pots, created

bath salts, painted wine glasses, decorated Christmas

decorations and even created gifts for our four-legged

friends. Craft group has been a blast, full of crafting,

laughter, friendship and of course pizza! It’s not too

late to become crafty, please join us for our monthly

craft groups, the last Friday of the month

Hand crafted wine glasses will be for sale at our

craft bazar

Craft group participants having a blast getting

creative with their wine glasses

Crafting for a Cure: MS Society Craft Bazaar

On November 22nd, the MS Society

held our annual craft bazaar at Terrace

on the Square Retirement Residence in

Waterloo. The day was full of laughter,

festive spirit and of course all of our

crafts. Many thanks goes to our clients

and volunteers for making this day a

huge success.

From December 22nd,

2014 to January 4th,

2015 the MS Society:

Central West Ontario

will be closed for the

holidays. We hope

that you all have a joyous holiday with your

family and friends. See you in the New Year!

The winter months are approaching,

meaning winter weather will be with us .

Is it a bad weather day and wondering if

the MS Society is closed due to the weath-

er? A general rule, if the local schools are

closed the MS Society is closed too, meaning all programming,

appointments and events will be cancelled or postponed. Thank

you for understanding as we all try to stay warm and safe.

MS Society Closures Inclement Weather Days at the MS Society

Amanda Leroux, Waterloo Craft Group and Craft Bazar Facilitator

I am a high school graduate with a degree in business. Recently I have come into some spare time so I thought I

would make good use of that time by volunteering.

I have always heard about multiple sclerosis but I wasn't fully aware about the disease and how it effected peo-ple. Recently I heard about a celebrity whose mom has MS on a social media website. I then began to get the facts on the disease.

While surfing the web I came across a website that listed volunteer opportunities and one happened to be a crafting group at the MS Society. After a cheerful interview with two lovely ladies and an information session I was able to start volunteering. I felt like I could offer support by listening, assisting and of course helping with

the crafts for the annual Christmas bazaar.

In my spare time I adore crafting, yoga, baking and throwing dinner parties for my friends and family.

Fiona Harper, Cambridge Live and Learn Facilitator

My name is Fiona Harper and I am excited to be joining the MS Society as a Support Group Facilitator for the Cambridge area. I have spent the last five years entrenched in academia. After completing an English degree at Wilfrid Laurier University I enrolled at the University of Western Ontario where I re-ceived a Bachelor of Education degree. During my time as a student, I volunteered with a number of organizations including Free the Children and Future of Africa. The MS Society has long appealed to me for the ground breaking research and community outreach that it is involved with. I feel fortunate to be joining the team! I am an avid outdoorsperson, and since moving to Galt in September, I enjoy ex-ploring the beautiful path system that the area boasts. I am also a travel-fanatic and am hoping to visit South America later in the year.

Kathleen McCaughey, Central West Ontario: Social Media Coordinator

I started actively volunteering with my community when I was about 15 years old with a program called

"Operation Christmas Child". We would collect needed items and put them in a shoebox for those in need

at Christmas time. Soon after, I got involved with World Vision, attending retreats, and planning 30 hour

famines. When I went to Cegep at Dawson College for Community Recreation and Leadership Training, I

began volunteering and raising money for Dans La Rue (a non profit helping the homeless in Montreal).

With a classmate, I created the school's Humanitarian Aid Committee, and led 15 students on a culture/

volunteer trip to Northern India. I volunteered with children and had an amazing experience. My involve-

ment continued into university at the University of Waterloo, and now again that I've graduated. I recently

moved to Kitchener, and I'm always looking for ways to get involved in my community. I want to get to

know those around me, and help out in any ways I can. I never knew much about MS, which is why I really

wanted to get involved. I wanted to educate myself, as well as volunteer any time I could. I've gotten to know some of the

clients in KW and they are such a joy to work with, I have so much fun!

A huge thank-you to all the dedicated volunteers at the MS Society. Volunteers are an integral part of

supporting individuals living with MS and helping to end MS. All the time preparing for fundraisers or

events, their efforts in supporting our clients at support groups or social gatherings and helping to

promote MS awareness and outreach, our volunteers are involved in all aspects of the MS Society.

Looking to volunteer, want to learn more about MS, want to make a difference in someone’s life? Vol-

unteer with us! Contact Laura Barry, Client Services Coordinator by email at laura.barry@mssociety.ca

or by phone at (519) 569-8789 ext. 3198 for more information.

Warm Welcome to New Volunteers at the MS Society Centra West Ontario

Volunteers we Thank-You!