mississauga scene 2010 mississauga scene the mississauga chapter is dedicated to enriching lives,...
TRANSCRIPT
OCTOBER 2010
Mississauga Scene The Mississauga Chapter is dedicated to enriching lives, inspiring hope, facing change together
In this Edition:
What’s New at the Chapter
A Message from the Board
Thank you Ontario Division!
Introducing...
Memories of Summer Fun
Client Services & Upcoming Events
Journey to Wellness
Support Groups
NEW! Monthly Bowling
November Open House
Annual Holiday Luncheon
Tai Chi
Moving Waters for MS
Snow Removal
Transit Solutions
Fundraising Reports
Mike Augustine - MS Climb
10th Annual Charity Golf Classic - Results!
A&W
Save These Dates!
MISSISSAUGA CHAPTER OFFICE 875 ENOLA AVE. MISSISSAUGA, ON L5G 4R1
Email: [email protected] Website: www.mssociety.ca/mississauga 905-278-6186
A Message from the Board of Directors
The Chapter has been very fortunate that Ontario
Division accepted to administer the funding programs
(Special Assistance and Equipment Programs) as well
as the Information and Referral Program on a
temporary basis while we looked for our new,
full-time Client Services Coordinator. We very much
appreciate the care and efficiency of service they
demonstrated to our clients over the past five months.
Now that we have our Client Services Coordinator,
Brandi Easton in place (see the next page for more
information on Brandi), the Information and Referral
Program will once again be administered by the
Chapter.
In upholding the mission of the Mississauga Chapter
to provide the most and best services to all our clients
while at the same time managing costs, the Board has
requested that Ontario Division continue
administering our funding programs. This offers many
benefits to our clients and is an excellent opportunity
for the Chapter to improve and expand our local
programs and services at no additional cost.
Under this new administrative arrangement, the
Chapter will retain all control over the budget and the
overall allocation of funds to clients while adhering to
the policies and best practices of the MS Society.
Some benefits of this transfer of administration for our
Special Assistance Program include taking advantage
of electronic funds transfers for faster deposits to
clients while reducing postage costs. For our
Equipment Program, clients will also benefit from
Ontario Division's access to a much larger shared pool
of donated equipment inventory.
This collaboration with Ontario Division, which also
administers a number of other Chapters' funding
programs, will allow the Mississauga Chapter to
continue developing new and enhanced client-focused
programs year-round. This is an exciting opportunity
for the Chapter and we're putting together a plan that
develops some valuable initiatives for our clients in
the coming months. We look forward to sharing some
details on these as soon as possible! If you have some
suggestions for programs, please call Brandi and let
her know what ideas you have. We welcome all
suggestions!
With the Mississauga Chapter and Ontario Division
working together towards our common goal of serving
those living with MS and their families, we can
achieve much more than we could on our own. At the
heart of this arrangement, all of the Chapter's clients
will benefit and we look forward to providing you
with more programs and services while continuing the
ones we presently have available.
For more information on our Information & Referrals program as well as the services offered
by the Chapter, please contact Brandi Easton at 905-279-6186.
For information on the Special Assistance program, please contact:
Annette Mitchell, Senior Coordinator, Funding Programs
1-800-268-7582 x3147
For information on the Equipment program, please contact:
Helena Olenewa, Coordinator, Equipment Program
1-800-268-7582 x3020
Thank You Ruth, Annette and Carmit!!
We would like to extend a big "thank you!" to the MS Society's Ontario Division for so generously assisting
the Chapter with our client services while we looked for our new coordinator. It is with much gratitude that we
thank Ruth Ginman, Manager Funding Programs, Annette Mitchell, Special Assistance Program Coordinator,
and Carmit Kordov, Information and Referral Coordinator who provided our services with great care and
attention. It's been a pleasure working with you and Ontario Division to achieve our common goal of providing
quality services to those living with MS and their families.
Chapter Update
It's an exciting time at the Chapter and we'd like to introduce you to two terrific new staff members!
Brandi Easton We are very pleased to announce our full-time Client
Services Coordinator, Brandi Easton! If you attend
yoga or are involved in support groups, you may
likely have had the pleasure of meeting Brandi
already.
Brandi started at the Chapter on September 13th
and
comes to us from the Neurological Rehabilitation
Institute of Ontario. With a Bachelor of Applied
Science in Therapeutic Recreation and a Diploma in
Social Services-Gerontology, Brandi has several years
of solid experience working with a variety of clients
and health professionals to provide exceptional care,
services and programs.
With Brandi's expertise, we're very much looking
forward to continue offering excellent client services
and to provide some new programs over the coming
months. Brandi will work to improve our service to
the Chapter's clients as well as continue the
Information and Referral program.
Brandi will be contacting all our clients over the next
couple of weeks to introduce herself and say a friendly
"hello." If you'd like to give her a welcome call first,
feel free to contact her at 905-278-6186. Brandi has
told us how excited she is to be working at the
Chapter and to meeting all of you!
Pam Gignac It is with much pleasure that we introduce our Senior
Fundraising Coordinator, Pam Gignac. Pam's energy
and enthusiasm for the Chapter and the MS Society
will certainly attract donor and sponsor attention!
Pam's aunt lived with MS for many years until
she passed away in 2007. Together with having
worked as a volunteer for Rick Hansen's Man in
Motion Tour and as a fundraiser at the Alzheimer
Society of Canada, Pam comes to us with some
insights and understanding of the impact and
challenges of MS.
A professional fundraiser since 1985 and formerly the
Manager of Donor Relations and Major Gifts at the
Canadian Red Cross as well as the General Manager
of Relationship Fundraising at the YMCA of Greater
Toronto, Pam is well versed in the many ways of
fundraising. She's also the editor and co-author of the
book, Major Donors: Finding Big Gifts in Your
Database and Online and teaches in the Fundraising
Program at Humber College.
The Fundraising Committee and Pam are working
closely together to ensure that the much-needed funds
come into the Chapter to secure all our programs and
services. Presently, Pam is creating a fundraising
implementation plan and is already setting up a few
new fundraisers for the Chapter! With Pam's extensive
expertise in fundraising and donor relations, we look
forward to raising the necessary funds for our client
services, research contribution and revenue sharing
programs.
For more information on Client Services, contact Brandi at 905-278-6186
The Annual BBQ!! Our BBQ on August 18
th was a huge success! We had a record number of
attendees who enjoyed some quality time on the Derry House grounds
with an amazing view of Lake Ontario. We dined upon scrumptious hotdogs,
hamburgers and salads followed by some colourful cupcakes made by our
wonderful students. The auction, led
by master auctioneer Geoff Hancock,
had lots of great items for great prices!
Many thanks to everyone who brought
items to auction and to those who
purchased them. Thanks too to all who
came out and joined in the fun!
Memories of Summer Fun!
It’s hard to believe that the summer is over and our valuable Summer
Enrichment Program has wrapped up. Alicia, Brianna, Seana and
Gagin were our super students who made summer so much fun for
our clients. There was so much going on – a movie afternoon, Casino,
bowling, tea party, lunch at Mandarin as well as shopping, various
recreational outings and so much more!
The Summer Enrichment Program is one of the Chapter’s most
important and appreciated programs. Many thanks go to our funders:
The Pendle Foundation, Canada Summer Jobs and the YMCA which
covered the costs of the program. Although we won’t be eligible to
apply for a Pendle Foundation grant again in 2011, the Chapter’s
Fundraising Committee is making plans to ensure that funding will be
secured for next year. We look forward to another summer of
activities and cheer for our clients in 2011!
Moving Waters for
Multiple Sclerosis
This Hydro Therapy swim
program is specialized and
designed for people with
MS as a way to improve mobility,
flexibility, coordination, balance and endurance.
This hydro therapy program is an excellent way to
stay fit and active through the fall and winter.
For the complete Therapeutic Aquatic Exercise Fall
Program Schedule and fees, please contact Brandi.
Subsidies for the program may be available upon
request.
TIME: every Wednesday afternoon, 2:30-3:15pm.
LOCATION: Huron Pool, 830 Paisley Blvd W.
PHONE: 905-615-4820 x 2450
Client Services
For more information on Client Services, contact Brandi at 905-278-6186
Bowling!
Thanks to our new arrangement
with Ontario Division (see inside
the cover page for details), we
have time to plan more events
and outings for our clients!
We are pleased to announce the commencement of
our new monthly bowling group on the last
Thursday of each month.
Mark October 28th
in your calendars as the
MS Halloween Bowling Event. Come dressed up
in your favourite Halloween costume for a chance
to win a prize!
TIME: 1:30 pm - 3:00 pm
COST: $4.50 per person. Clean indoor shoes may
be worn instead of bowling shoes if you wish.
LOCATION: John Paul 2 Polish Culture Centre
is fully wheelchair accessible and the lanes are
located in the basement of the building (second
building from entrance).
Centre Bowl: 4300 Cawthra Road; 905-306-0043
Please contact Brandi to sign up!
Tai Chi People living with MS
are enjoying the many
therapeutic benefits of
practicing the art of
Tai Chi, a gentle slow
movement exercise that
is known for the
improvement of health
and relaxation.
Come out and experience a class for yourself and
discover a genuine path for health and tranquility.
The Taoist Tai Chi Society in Mississauga, a volunteer
non-profit organization, is welcoming you to try your
first class free of charge.
Classes are each Tuesday evening from 6:00 - 7:30pm
and the cost is $60 for four months plus a $20
registration fee. Subsidies may be provided.
The Taoist Tai Chi Society: 348 Lakeshore Rd. E.
905-274-0019; www.taoist.org
Yoga
The Chapter’s fall yoga session that began in
September is sold out. Stay tuned for the winter
schedule which will be announced in our
December e-newsletter.
Client Services
For more information on Client Services, contact Brandi at 905-278-6186
Journey to Wellness The Journey to Wellness is a four-week educational series that will run
every Tuesday evening in November: 2nd
, 9th
, 16th
, and 23rd
from 7:00 pm to 9:00 pm.
The first three sessions, on November 2nd
, 9th
and 16th
, will take place at the Meadowvale Community Centre
(6655 Glen Erin Drive). The fourth and final session, on November 23rd
, will take place at the PC Cooking
School located in The Real Canadian Superstore (3045 Mavis Road).
Week One: MS Research Update Aprile Royal, RN, MEd, of the MS Society’s Ontario Division will update attendees on
what’s new in MS Research. There will be plenty of time for general questions.
Week Two: Physical Fitness and MS Alison Bonnyman, a physiotherapist with a master’s degree in Aquatics
will provide details on the benefits and disadvantages of Aquatic Exercise
and MS.
Michael Mawryczew, who works in Kinesiology, will talk on Movement
Enhancement via Daily Activities. There will be time for questions
following each speaker.
Week Three: Emotional Wellness and MS A member from The Credit Valley Hospital’s START Program will talk about this
program which helps people take personal responsibility for their mental health and
overall well being. Again, there will be plenty of time for questions.
Week Four: Nutrition and MS In this final week we will learn to prepare quick, easy and nutritional meals.
There will be 2 breakfasts, 2 lunches and 2 dinners prepared and the best part,
you get to eat them too!
Handouts will be provided throughout the four sessions and you will receive a folder, a note pad and a pen.
The total cost of all four sessions is $10 which is due at the time of registration. Please note that registration
is required no later than Tuesday, October 19th
by contacting Brandi at 905-278-6186 or by email to
[email protected]. Subsidies may be available upon request.
Many thanks to Teva Neuroscience for providing the funding for these sessions
which significantly reduced the cost to participants!
For more information on Client Services, contact Brandi at 905-278-6186
Client Services
MS Self-Help Support Group This daytime group is for people with MS to discuss
issues and enjoy a friendly chat. It’s held on the first
Thursday of the month from 10:00 am until noon at
the Eden United Church (3051 Battleford Rd.)
“Guys with MS” Support Group This support group is designed exclusively for men
with MS to meet, share information, and build a social
network. Spend an evening with the guys who have
some similar symptoms, questions and concerns about
their diagnosis. Meetings take place on the last
Tuesday of the month from 7:00 pm until 9:00 pm at
Montana’s Restaurant in the Erin Mills Town Centre..
Caregivers Support Group This group supports those individuals who are
caregivers for people with MS. Spend some time
discussing concerns and find solutions. The
Caregivers’ Group meets monthly on the second
Thursday of the month (or at the convenience of the
group) at the Sunrise Senior Living Center
(1279 Burnhamthorpe Road E.) from 7:00-9:00 pm.
Newly Diagnosed Support Group Were you diagnosed within the last five years? If so,
would you be interested in a support group for those
who have been recently diagnosed? We can arrange a
monthly support group if there is enough interest from
our clients. Call Brandi if you're interested.
MS Support Groups
If you’re looking to find peer support and a social network to discover new ways to cope with issues
you may be facing, we have several support groups that you may find beneficial.
You're Invited!!
As of July 1st and after lengthy but advantageous
negotiations, the Mississauga Chapter is now
managing our lovely little Derry House!
Among the many benefits of this arrangement with
the City of Mississauga is that we can use the House
to host client events and programs that satisfy our
needs and schedules and without any additional cost
of renting space at other locations!
In celebration, we are inviting all of you to a special
Saturday Afternoon Open House in November!
While we don’t have a set date yet, we are making
preparations by refinishing the floors and applying a
nice new coat of paint on the walls - services which
were generously offered by a local contractor!
Also prior to the Open House, we, with the assistance of the City, are taking care of an unfortunate mishap in
the basement where we store our supplies: the ceiling fell in. On the bright side, there wasn’t too much
damage to our stored items as most of them had already been removed after the basement flooded the week
before.
Once we finish the Derry House Makeover we’ll contact you by email with the details of the Open House.
Make sure you’ve submitted your email address to Brandi at [email protected] so you’ll receive
your notification. If you don’t have an email address, don’t worry – we’ll call you with the details!
We’re looking forward to celebrating with you in our new-and-improved Derry House in November!
Client Services
For more information on Client Services, contact Brandi at 905-278-6186
An afternoon at the movies? An evening at the Art Gallery of Ontario?
The Access 2 Entertainment program provides free admission or a substantial
discount for the support person of a person with a disability (the person who has the
disability pays the regular admission fee) at all participating entertainment venues.
Many people with disabilities require the assistance of a support person to help them with daily activities.
Recreation and leisure activities are an important component of good health and well-being. Through education,
businesses have begun to recognize that accommodating people with disabilities in this way makes a big
difference to the community.
In order to obtain an Access 2 Entertainment program card, an application form must be completed and signed
by an authorized health care provider (our Client Services Coordinator, Brandi Easton, is a Recreation Therapist
who can sign your application form). There is also a small fee of $20 payable to Easter Seals Canada. For a
listing of all attractions and theatres or for more information on obtaining a card, visit www.access2.ca.
For more information on Client Services, contact Brandi at 905-278-6186
Client Services
Annual Mississauga Chapter Holiday Luncheon
Can you believe it’s time to announce our December Holiday Luncheon?
Mark your calendars for Wednesday, December 8th
at 1:30 pm
at the Sunrise Senior Living Centre (4046 Erin Mills Parkway)!
The turkey lunch will be served buffet style with all the
traditional festive fare: stuffing, potatoes, vegetables,
cranberry sauce, dessert, coffee or tea.
Come out and enjoy the Holiday feast, win some terrific raffle prizes and
take away a gift bag put together especially for you by the Chapter staff and Board!
The cost per person is $12.
Be sure to RSVP to Brandi by November 24th
.
!
Snow Removal Programs
The City of Mississauga has a Snow Removal
Subsidy program available for up to $200. To be
eligible for the subsidy you must reside in Mississauga
as the legal owner or tenant of the residential property,
be able to provide receipts and other documentation
verifying the claim and be physically disabled in such
a way as to restrict your mobility.
An application at the end of the season is required to
receive a subsidy. Call the City at 3-1-1 to apply.
Do you need help with
snow removal?
Links2Care is a multi-service community
organization that delivers a variety of services
and programs region-wide. Some services that
may be of benefit this fall/winter season include:
eaves cleaning, yard/garden care and snow removal.
For snow removal it is important to act quickly
as spaces are limited. Please contact
Gail at Links2Care at 905-822-3500 x102.
www.links2care.ca
Driveway Windrow Snow
Clearing Program
Mississauga will also be participating in a new
city-wide pilot program to clear snow windrows.
(A windrow is the snow that is left at the bottom of
a driveway after a snow plough has cleared a road.)
This FREE program is offered to older adults
(65 yrs+) and individuals who are physically
disabled (as verified by a regulated health
professional and who are eligible for financial
assistance from the City).
Those who are 65+ or are physically disabled but
not eligible for financial assistance will be charged
$200 to participate.
You must apply by Friday, October 29, 2010 to
receive this service.
For more information visit the City's website
at http://www.mississauga.ca/portal/residents/
drivewaywindrowpilotprogram
or call City of Mississauga at 3-1-1.
Are Your Ready for the Snow? -- Yes! Snow!!
The second annual
Cruisin’ for a Cause fundraiser held on
August 26 by A&W
nearly doubled last year’s
total and raised over
$700,000 for the
MS Society. More than
700 A&W restaurants
across Canada helped
raise funds through the
sale of classic car cut-
outs, donation boxes and
by donating $1 from
every Teen Burger® sold.
Thank you A&W!
Call for Directors
We are looking for individuals who are familiar with
MS to join the Chapter's volunteer Board of Directors.
If you have experience in the following fields, we
invite you to contact us:
medical / health
project management
fundraising / development
public relations and communications
legal services
strategic planning
marketing
general business and senior management
experience
If you're interested in serving the Chapter and
upholding its mission through responsible
governance practices, please contact Richard Benn at
905-949-3104 or by email at [email protected].
Richard would be happy to address any questions you
might have about these positions.
Be a Volunteer!
What Does a
Board of Directors Do?
The Mississauga Chapter Board of Directors invites
all Chapter members to an educational evening on
Governance and the Board.
On Monday, October 25th
from 7:00 pm to 9:00 pm at
the Derry House, guest Richard Leblanc, a recognized
authority on governance, will discuss the roles and
responsibilities of a Board including fiduciary duty,
strategic planning and direction, and risk reduction.
Coffee, tea and desserts will be served, compliments
of the Mississauga Board of Directors.
Please RSVP by Friday, October 22nd
by calling the
Chapter office or by emailing Laurie Wilhelm, Chair,
Board of Directors at [email protected].
About our guest:
Richard Leblanc is an
award-winning teacher and
researcher, consultant,
lawyer and specialist on
boards of directors.
He is a former recipient of
Canada’s Top 40 Under 40™
award and was recently named
to Canadian Who’s Who.
Fundraising
Mississauga Chapter's Annual Charity Classic 201
Our very own Michael "Augy" Augustine is headed for the hills...
actually, he's headed for a mountain. A really BIG mountain.
Next October (2011) Mike will embark on the single, most daring thing
he - or pretty much most of us for that matter - has done in his entire
life: he will climb 17,600 feet to attain Mt. Everest base camp...
in his WHEELCHAIR!!!
Mike's adventure is part of a very successful fundraising campaign, MS Climb, that has already raised
thousands of dollars for the Society. MS Climb is a five-year initiative to raise $1 million through hiking
around the world.
Show your support today and sponsor Mike. Help him achieve his goal to raise $100,000 for the Mississauga
Chapter and to help end MS. Visit Mike's website at www.everestchairlift.ca and make a pledge.
You can also join in the MS Climb and go on an adventure of a lifetime while raising funds for the Chapter.
Find out how you can get involved by visiting the MS Climb website at www.msclimb.ca.
Fundraising
Friends of the Chapter: B&B Trade Distribution Centre, Mercantile Exchange Corp,
Onyx Freight-Works, CGF Products, Marketing Breakthrough, Goodman Canada
Mercantile Exchange Corp, Onyx Freight-Works Inc.
Mississauga Chapter's Annual Charity Golf Classic
On Tuesday, September 14th
, the Mississauga Chapter held its 10th
Annual
Charity Golf Classic at the Royal Ontario Golf & Country Club. Our golfers
were treated to a beautiful, sunny day and lots of on-course activities as well
as good food and drink! Some golfers took advantage of our great auction and
took home some terrific items. Judging by the smiles, laughter and buzz of
conversation, everyone had a wonderful time and we are pleased to report that
the event raised more than $30,000 for the Chapter!
Congratulations to our winners!
2010 Winning Foursome
John Loynd, Mike Smith, Peter Mahovlich, Tony French
Closest to the Pin #11 Closest to the Line #5 Myles Tompkins Mike Smith
Thank you to everyone who made this 10th
golf tournament a great success
including all our sponsors and in-kind donors. Your generosity and support are
essential for the Chapter to continue assisting those living with MS.
A special "Thank You!" goes to Roger Grochmal and Michael Grochmal
whose company, AtlasCare, was our Presenting Sponsor.
Your participation, support and encouragement were most appreciated.
Thank you, Roger and Michael,
we truly appreciate all you've done for the Chapter.
Presenting Sponsor
Lunch Sponsor
Driving Range Sponsor
Raffle Sponsor
Beverage Cart Sponsor
Hole Sponsors
Save
the
Date!
October 25: Governance Education Session
October 28: Bowling
November TBD!! – Saturday Afternoon Open House, Derry House
November 2: Journey to Wellness: MS Research Update
November 9: Journey to Wellness: Physical Fitness and MS
November 16: Journey to Wellness: Emotional Wellness and MS
November 23: Journey To Wellness: Nutrition and MS
December 8: Annual Holiday Luncheon
Transit Solutions
RecRider: Programs in Transit.
RecRider, a program offered by Recreational Respite, offers a unique, flexible and individualized
transportation service that ensures supportive and continued community involvement for users going to:
rehabilitation programs recreation centres adult day centres
support groups church volunteer opportunities
Rates: Single use rates at $0.90/km
Companions are welcome at an additional $5 round trip (all prices are subject to HST)
Travel Block Rates
0-10 km Round Trip 11-20 km Round Trip
2x per week (total 40 km) $38 2x per week (total 80 km) $76
3x per week (total 60 km) $54 3x per week (total 120 km) $108
For more information on Recreational Respite’s program or to book your travel for RecRider,
please call Recreational Respite at 905-813-0336 or visit www.recrespite.com.
Transit Solutions: Taxi!!
The Taxi Script Program is a subsidized taxi program offered to people living in Peel whose transport options
are limited because of a disability. Booklets of script valued at $40 are sold to you for $25 each! A maximum
of 6 booklets per month to each registered passenger can be purchased and you can use credit card, Interac,
cheque or cash to make your payment. To assess your eligibility for the program, contact the Region of Peel
to receive an application form. If you are a current TransHelp user, you are automatically eligible for this
program.
To access this program, please contact 905-791-1015 x4476.
It's time to go... the paper newsletter, that is! Many of you have been asking when the Chapter's newsletter will be sent by email. We'd like to thank you for
your encouragement to save the Chapter money on paper, copying, and postage. So - this is the last paper copy of
the Chapter's newsletter. Starting in November, and every month after that, you will receive your newsletter
electronically! If you don't have email, don't worry! We'll still mail paper newsletters to those members who do
not have access to email.
We'd like to thank Biogen for their sponsorship of this newsletter!