Archive for June, 2012

Congratulations to our very own Michael Roche for being honoured by the City of Oshawa and receiving the 2012 Resident Accessibility Improvement Award. Michael received his award during the May 10th Oshawa Accessibility Advisory Committee Meeting. To read the article posted in the Oshawa this Week click here

Michael Roche has been a member in good standing with the Multiple Sclerosis Society Canada, Durham Regional Chapter since 2002. Currently, Michael sits on the Durham Regional Chapter Board of Directors in the position of Social Action Director. Michael has held the Social Action Director position for the past 8 years. Through participation on the Board of Directors he has led a number of advocacy initiatives to address local and regional community challenges and priorities for those living with Multiple Sclerosis. Along with his board involvement, he and wife Eleanor volunteer annually (since 2002) during the MS Carnation Campaign and MS Walk's in Durham Region. Outside of the MS Society Canada, Michael is a true advocate for those living with all types of disability. After joining in 2004, Michael took on the Chair position for the Durham Region Accessibility Advisory Council (AAC) in 2007-2011. The Durham Region ACC plays an intrigue role in the implementation of city and regional accessibility planning. Our members know Michael as "the man who can help!" when it comes to self-advocacy. Michael has handled many concerns within Durham Region identified by chapter members, acting as both personal and political advocate in the areas of accessibility, age-appropriate long-term care, supportive housing, and access to drug therapies, to name a few.

April and June 2012 Multiple Solutions Newsletter

Issue includes:

• Top 5 Things to Consider before contacting an Occupational Therapist AND Top 5 Ways to Eat Healthy on a Budget
• MS Walk totals
• 1st Annual MS Tee Off to End MS Golf Tournament
• And much more…

Join us June 27th from 10:00AM to 12:00PM as we tour the newly open Abilities Centre in Whitby. Please contact Debbie to confirm your attendance.

The Abilities Centre is a 125,000-square -foot fully accessible, state-of-the-art, multi-purpose facility that is committed to the development of an inclusive and integrated environment, where respect, cooperation, innovation and education form the core values of the facility and the people within. The Centre is situatied within 47 acres of parkland on the shores of beautiful Lake Ontario. It is located within one km of the Greater Toronto Area’s (GTA) mass transit corridor (Hwy 401), next to the Whitby GO Train Station, and easy to reach by public transit – making it easily accessible for most of southern Ontario.

Durham Region Ablilities Centre Tour

The facilities includes: Field House, universally accessible cardio/fitness and weight Centre, three full regulation Basetball Courts, 200-metre six-lane Running Track, Change Rooms, Theatre, Music Room, Art Room, Sensory Room, Lounge, Library, Meeting/Board Room, Life Skills Apartment, Games Room, Cafe and Outdoor Patio, and Indoor Playground. Services available include Certified Personal Training, Nutritional Consulatations and a Free Fitness Assessment/Consulatation.

Members of the MS Society will receive a discounted Membership Fee, to confirm your membership is up-to-date and/or to inquire about Abilities Centre memberships please contact Debbie by clicking here

Pre-qualified Rate: $444/year or $37/month full access to the centre from open to close, Monday to Sunday Includes value-added programs

Specific Time Rate: $300/year or $25/month access to the centre Monday-Friday 10:00AM to 5:00PM and Saturday and Sunday from 12:00PM to 4:00PM Includes value-added programs

Value-Added Programs – Arts and Life Skills, Fitness Classes, Adult Pick-up Sport and Child/Youth Programs:

• Spinning
• Low Impact
• Pump
• Yoga
• Body Express
• Story Time
• Pickup Badminton
• Sensory Art
• Baby Bach
• Pilates
• On the ball
• Universal Playground

Congratulations to the Synergy For Life group on hosting a successful Cocktail Party an awesome $5,070.00 was raised for the MS Society, Durham Regional Chapter!!! There dedication to raising funds in the communities they live in is truly inspirational and we are so grateful the MS Society Canada, Durham Regional Chapter was selected as this years Charity!

From left to right: Debbie Hunter, Odelia Oswago, Abigail Grimes, Michelle Agard, Kailey O'Neill, and Jim Marsh 

To see more photos from the Sip and Sizzle event please click on photo above.

Sip and Sizzle

This event was hosted as a Community Event Fundraiser. Learn how to fundraise for MS and run your own event to help the MS Society.

All the monies raised from our community events helps support the services we offer to those living with multiple sclerosis in Durham Region. Our Special Assistance Program provides services such as emergency response, housecleaning, childcare, respite, and transportation to medical appointments. Our Equipement Assistance Program assist in the purchase of items such as wheelchairs, scooters, hospital beds, lifts and vehicle modifications.

More Info: www.synergyforlife.ca info@synergyforlife.ca

Facebook page www.facebook.com/Synergy-For-Life Follow us on Twitter @Synergy_4_Life Web:

Sponsorship Opportunities: Event Information Sponsor Package Sponsorship Form

Date: June 15th 2012

Time: 1:00PM to 3:00PM

Location: Abilities Centre at 55 Gordon Street, Whitby, ON

The Abilities Centre Grand Opening, opened the doors to the public on June 2nd. Be there this Friday, June 15th from 1:00PM to 3:00PM for the Ribbon Cutting Ceremony.  

Abilities Centre is a fully accessible, state-of-the-art multi-purpose facility that is committed to the development of an inclusive and integrated environment, where respect, understanding, cooperation, innovation, and education form the core values of the facility and the people within. The universal designed, 125,000 square foot facility houses three full regulation basketball courts surrounded by a 200 metre, six-lane track. Fully equipped and universally accessible cardio/fitness, weight, and sensory rooms offer unparalleled opportunities for physical activities for people of all ages and abilities. Drama, music, art, and life skills programming will transpire in the performing arts theatre, music studio, library, and life skills room.

Abilities Centre Membership Fees

Members of the MS Society will receive a discounted Membership Fee, to confirm your membership is up-to-date and/or to inquire about Abilities Centre memberships please contact Debbie by clicking here

Pre-qualified Rate: $444/year or $37/month full access to the centre from open to close, Monday to Sunday Includes value-added programs

Specific Time Rate: $300/year or $25/month access to the centre Monday-Friday 10:00AM to 5:00PM and Saturday and Sunday from 12:00PM to 4:00PM Includes value-added programs

Value-Added Programs – Arts and Life Skills, Fitness Classes, Adult Pick-up Sport and Child/Youth Programs:

• Spinning
• Low Impact
• Pump
• Yoga
• Body Express
• Story Time
• Pickup Badminton
• Sensory Art
• Baby Bach
• Pilates
• On the ball
• Universal Playground