ms-bulletin2 - 3.6 - Multiple Sclerosis Society of Canada

BC Bulletin
IN THIS ISSUE: SUMMER 2004
4 Kids Get MS Too
5 National Research Study
6 Checking in with the Chapters
11 Margaret and Denny’s Legacy
WALK Letter Inspires
Vancouver Firefighter
This year’s voice of the MS
Society’s public service
announcements in BC was Paige
Craven, a ten-year-old from
Abbotsford who has grown up
with the Super Cities WALK/Run
for MS (she rode in a stroller in
her first WALK). This year Paige
told her story of how she
supports her mom with MS
(Abbotsford WALK/Run
coordinator, Joanne Craven) in
▲
Paige Craven and firefighter Dave Pighin share a
common goal of walking to raise funds for MS.
15 Government Relations
20 Caring Balance Pilot Project
21 Call for Award Nominations
23 Support in Your Community
the 2004 pre-WALK letter,
distributed to past WALK
participants to encourage
participation again this year.
Her story caught the attention
of Vancouver firefighter Dave
Pighin, whose father also has
MS. Dave was so inspired by
Paige’s tireless efforts to raise
money and awareness at such a
young age, he arranged to meet
her and gave her a tour of his
downtown fire station.
The two had planned to WALK
together in Abbotsford on April
25; unfortunately, on the morning
of the WALK, duty called, and
Dave was called to fight a major
fire in downtown Vancouver
instead. There’s always next year!
Paige raised over $2,000 on her
own, and even though Dave
wasn’t able to join her on the
WALK, his pledges brought their
combined total to over $2,300!

CHAPTERS in
your community
Capital Region
1004 North Park St.
Victoria, BC V8T 1C6
Phone: (250) 388-6496
Fax: (250) 361-2661
Central Island
1533 Estevan Rd. Box 50053-4B
Nanaimo, BC V9S 5X1
Phone: (250) 468-1757
Toll-free: 1-888-844-2047
Kamloops & Area
180-546 St. Paul St.
Kamloops, BC V2C 5T1
Phone: (250) 314-0773
Toll-free: 1-888-304-6622
Fax: (250) 314-0722
Kelowna
1959 Kirschner Rd.
Kelowna, BC V1Y 4N7
Phone: (250) 762-5850
Fax: (250) 762-5897
Lower Mainland
1501-4330 Kingsway
Burnaby, BC V5H 4G7
Phone: (604) 689-3144
Toll-free: 1-800-268-7582
Fax: (604) 689-0377
North Vancouver Island
P.O. Box 656
Campbell River, BC V9W 6J3
Phone: (250) 286-0999
Toll-free: 1-888-299-2025
Fax: (250) 286-0999
Prince George
105-490 Quebec St.
Prince George, BC V2L 5N5
Phone: (250) 564-7074
Fax: (250) 564-7005
South Okanagan/
Similkameen
3373 Skaha Lake Road
Penticton, BC V2A 6G6
Phone: (250) 493-6564
Fax: (250) 493-6584
West Kootenay
517 Nelson Ave.
Nelson, BC V1L 2N2
Phone: (250) 352-3997
Toll-free: 1-866-352-3997
Fax: (250) 352-3929
2 I
MS BC Bulletin
BC Bulletin – Summer 2004
Published three times a year by:
Multiple Sclerosis Society of Canada
British Columbia Division
1501-4330 Kingsway
Burnaby, BC V5H 4G7
Phone: (604) 689-3144
Toll-free: 1-800-268-7582
Fax: (604) 689-0377
E-mail: info.bc@mssociety.ca
Website: www.mssociety.ca
Editorial Statement
The MS Society believes strongly in
the freedom of speech and the
right of all sides of an issue to be
heard. The editors and authors
endeavour to provide relevant
and up-to-date information about
multiple sclerosis.
The MS Society does not approve,
endorse or recommend specific
products or services, but provides
information to assist people in
making their own decisions. For
specific, personalized information,
please consult your physician or
other healthcare professional.
The opinions expressed in this
publication are not necessarily
endorsed by the Multiple Sclerosis
Society of Canada.
Any reproduction of the contents
for non-commercial purposes is
permitted with mention of the
author and the source. A copy
must be forwarded to the editor.
Edition and production:
BC Division Circulation: 5,700
Canada Post Publication #
40063333
Editor: Kim Walters
Layout and Design:
Eyetoeye Design – jcowie.com
Printer:
Our mission: To be a leader in
finding a cure for multiple sclerosis
and enabling people affected by
MS to enhance their quality of life.
We asked, you
responded – by
the thousands!
Thank you to everyone who
participated in the MS
Society of Canada’s Client
Services Nationwide Survey
and took the time to share
your thoughts, concerns,
compliments and
suggestions. The response
was overwhelming: over
10,000 responses came in
from across the country by
the end of April, including
over 1,300 people from BC.
The survey responses will
now be analyzed by outside
consultants and will form the
basis for our programs and
services in the future. Watch
for updates about what you
told us in upcoming national
and division newsletters.

3 I
BC Bulletin – Summer 2004
2004 Super Cities WALK/Run for MS
Across BC, thousands of WALK participants, friends,
families and volunteers came together to join their
community’s 2004 Super Cities WALK/Run for MS.
This year’s WALKs were a tremendous success, with
fun-filled activities for participants of both the
four-legged and two-legged variety. Province-wide,
we reached our goal in raising over $800,000 for
MS research and support services. Thank you
everyone for all your hard work!
▲ Curves Girls, Nelson WALK
▲
Vancouver’s WALK in Stanley Park
▲
MS Society of Canada ambassador Kevin Newman with BC
Division’s Equipment Provision Manager, Sara Blum

The MS Society is pleased
to announce that the
Canadian version of Kids
Get MS Too: A Guide for
Parents Whose Child or
Teen has MS, a new
handbook written
specifically for parents who
have a child or teen
diagnosed with MS, is now
available on the MS
Society’s web site
(www.mssociety.ca).
Kids Get MS Too is a
compilation of articles
written by experts in
childhood MS and is an
excellent resource for
parents. Topics covered
include common
questions, diagnosis and
treatment, emotional
issues, cognitive
symptoms, children’s rights
in the educational system
and insurance issues.
The guide was developed
as part of the program
Young Persons with MS: A
Network for Families with
a Child or Teen With MS,
a collaboration between
the MS Society of Canada
and the National MS
Society (USA).
Young Persons with MS: A
Network for Families with a
4 I
BC Bulletin – Summer 2004
Kids Get MS Too: A Guide for Parents
Whose Child or Teen has MS
For further information
Child or Teen With MS is a
support network that
provides multiple program
options for families living
with a child or teen who
has been diagnosed with
multiple sclerosis. The
network provides a wide
spectrum of education,
information and referral,
emotional support and
connecting families
programs and resources,
including monthly parent
teleconferences featuring
specialists in the field of
pediatric MS, parent
support groups, shortterm
counselling, etc.
Detailed information
about the network is
now available on the
Society’s web site at
www.mssociety.ca.
contact your local Chapter,
the BC Division office at
1-800-268-7582 or the
Coordinator of the
National Information
Resource Centre of the MS
Society of Canada at
1-866-922-6065 or e-mail
kidswithms@mssociety.ca.

Twenty-two Canadian
hospitals and centres,
including sites in
Vancouver and Victoria,
are participating in an
unprecedented national
study – to try to solve the
puzzle of what causes
multiple sclerosis (MS)
by studying MS symptoms
in children.
The $4.3-million, five-year
project is being funded by
the MS Scientific Research
Foundation and the
Multiple Sclerosis Society
of Canada, and will
attempt to uncover the
cause of MS and the risk of
developing MS after one
attack. The research
project was announced
across Canada on May 4,
and received a great
deal of media attention
and interest.
The national project will
study children who have
experienced an initial
attack, known as clinically
isolated syndrome (CIS)
and follow their progress
to determine features
associated with risk of a
second (MS-defining)
attack. Researchers hope
that these studies will
identify the factors
involved in the
development of MS.
5 I
BC Bulletin – Summer 2004
New Study to Examine MS in Children
▲
Surrey mother of two, Tina Wade
An estimated 25 percent of
adult MS patients feel their
disease started during their
childhood or teenage
years. Seventeen-year-old
Andrea Kirkpatrick of
Kamloops first noticed MS
symptoms in grade 3, and
was eventually diagnosed
last year at the age of 16.
“The hardest part of
having MS is not knowing
when my symptoms will
return, and whether or not
my MS will progress,” says
Andrea. “This study will try
to answer those questions,
so that in the future, other
people like me won’t feel
the same uncertainty.”
Surrey mother of two Tina
Wade also experienced her
first MS symptoms at a
young age, and her road
to diagnosis was long.
“In hindsight, I had my first
symptoms at the age of
11,” said Tina, “but it took
three more relapses before
I was finally diagnosed at
the age of 21. This
pediatric study is great
news...we don’t know
enough about kids and MS.
I’m very glad to know that
this research may someday
help children suffering MS
symptoms to be diagnosed
more quickly.”
“MS is a complex disease
influenced by a number of
factors,” said Dr. Dessa
Sadovnick, principal
investigator and professor
in the Department of
Medical Genetics and
Faculty of Medicine,
Division of Neurology at
the University of British
Columbia. “We are
extremely hopeful that
this research project will
shed new light on our
understanding of the
disease, so that we can
help all those affected,
including children and
adults.”

CAPITAL REGION
CHAPTER
Exercise Programs
As outlined in the Journey
to Wellness Program
Manual produced by the
MS Society, there is now
agreement that regular
recreation, active living
and a personalized exercise
program can be very
helpful for people living
with MS. Although exercise
cannot change the course
of MS disease activity, it
can decrease the effects of
physical inactivity.
In the past it was thought
that physical activity could
increase fatigue. In fact,
the opposite can be true.
An active living approach
may be used alone or
6 I
BC Bulletin – Summer 2004
Around the Province – Checking in with
the Chapters
combined with a carefully
developed exercise
program to help people
living with MS to attain
their highest possible level
of physical well being.
The Capital Region
Chapter is fully committed
to supporting its members
on their journey to
wellness by offering
exercise programs
directed at improving
overall health. These
programs are an
important component
of the individual and
family services offered
by the Chapter. The
demand for these
specialized exercise
programs at the MS
Center and at
community facilities is
on the rise.
Licensed professionals offer
the following programs on
a weekly basis:
• Aquatic Exercise
Program offered at a
community recreation
center
• Yoga offered at the MS
Center
• Chair Exercise Program
offered at the MS
Center
• Feldenkrais (awareness
through movement)
individual and group
classes offered at the
MS Center
• Individual Fitness
Assessments offered at
the center by a licensed
physiotherapist. This
program allows clients
to exercise
independently in the
center’s exercise facility
or in community
facilities.
Our members have clearly
made a decision to strive
for wellness. We are
striving to keep pace
with this interest not
simply by developing our
own programs but by
working with community
groups such as the
Victoria Integrated
Recreation Society and the
Jimmy Heuga program in
Banff, Alberta.
We believe that
community partnerships
like our Aquatic Program
are a great way to expand
and sustain exercise
services in support of our
members’ decision to
strive for wellness.

CENTRAL ISLAND
CHAPTER
Thank you to
everyone who
helped make our two
WALK/Runs a great success.
Over 275 people enjoyed
great food, super
entertainment and dog
trials in the warm sunshine
on Nanaimo’s beautiful
waterfront. New this year
was our K9 Challenge
which added even more
excitement and challenges.
“Alex” a feisty little Jack
Russell terrier took top
honors raising over $750.
Port Alberni’s WALK/Run
was equally successful,
bringing in over $10,000.
Thank you all for the
tremendous support.
Our gym and swim
therapy programs
continue successfully in
Nanaimo, Parksville and
Port Alberni. In Nanaimo
we have incorporated a
new stretching class that
follows our Thursday
sessions as well as adding
a warm pool routine to
the swim program. We
split the class into two
with some participants
starting in the cold pool
7 I
BC Bulletin – Summer 2004
Around the Province – Checking in with the Chapters (continued)
▲
K9 Challenge Team
Leader “Alex”
and others in the warm
pool. We use the warm
pool to do stretching
exercises after the cardio
work out in the cold pool.
The other members spend
the entire time in the
warm pool as they have
found it greatly reduces
the pain and discomfort in
the legs as well as
reducing the cramping.
Here’s what one of our
long-time participants had
to say about the swim
program:
“I began participating
in the swim program in
the fall of 2001 and
found it very beneficial
in many ways: it
improved my stability
and flexibility, made
transferring easier, and
I made new friends as
even the social aspect is
very uplifting.
I go in the warm pool,
and with the help of
either my husband or a
volunteer, I do most of
the exercises that I did
before with the
addition of the
stretching and workout
on my legs. Between
the two of them I
sometimes feel that
they are turning my
legs into pretzels. The
workout in the warmer
water has relaxed my
legs to the point that I
have fewer spasms and
I sleep much better.”
Don’t forget our 2004 MS
Family Fun Day and Kids
Bike-a-Thon is now
happening on August 15 in
Bowen Park. Look forward
to seeing you all there.
For more info: Nathalie
Cooke, Coordinator:
Special Events, Volunteers
& Communications:
(250) 754-6321
Fax: (250) 754-2540
Client Services: Iris Bailey
1-888-844-2047 or
(250) 468-1757
Fax: ( 250) 468-1756
Email: mssociety@shaw.ca.
Check out our web site at
www.mssociety.nisa.com
KAMLOOPS AND
AREA CHAPTER
Tony and Tina's Wedding—
An All-Around Hit!
The Kamloops and Area
Chapter took the unusual
step of playing the role of
“mother of the
bride”...and it paid off!
In March we hosted two
shows of “Tony N’ Tina’s
Wedding,” a wacky, tacky,
hilarious evening of
interactive theatre.

Tony N’ Tina’s Wedding—
which originated February
14, 1988 in New York City—
is a unique theatrical
experience that has won
over the hearts of
thousands of people in
over 100 cities worldwide,
including Japan, Australia
and many European cities.
In this hilarious interactive
comedy, the audience is
part of the show. As
“invited guests” the
audience begins the
evening witnessing the
holy nuptials. Following the
ceremony, a rousing
reception takes place.
Dancing, champagne
toasts, a full pasta dinner
and dessert are provided by
the Nunzio and Vitale
“families.”
In Kamloops over 620
guests had the
opportunity to “meet”
Tony and Tina (and their
families!) over the two
nights. The event was
held at our Italian Cultural
Centre, where the
atmosphere was pure
Italian and the audience
was truly treated as
guests. The best part was
that the members of the
Hoarse Raven Theatre,
who themselves have a
special link to MS, had a
great time too! The show
8 I
BC Bulletin – Summer 2004
Around the Province – Checking in with the Chapters (continued)
concluded with a stirring
thank you from the staff
and board members of
the MS Society. This
chance to officially thank
the audience for their
participation in this
fundraiser allowed us to
share our concerns about
the impact of MS with an
audience that we do not
typically access.
So what did all this do for
the MS Society? When the
wedding bills were totaled,
over $20,000 was left in
the coffers, a portion of
which will be directed
toward MS research. As for
Kamloops, we survived the
wedding and now are
preparing for a repeat in
June 2005. We made an
impact on the community
and they want us
back...fundraiser and all!
KELOWNA
CHAPTER
The Kelowna Chapter was
as busy as everyone in BC
with the 2004 Super Cities
WALK/Run for MS. Over
400 participants showed
tremendous enthusiasm,
giving our Chapter a
wonderful start to our
fundraising year. We have
an amazing group of
volunteers in our
community and they have
always given us
outstanding support.
Our spring seminar on May
25 had Dr. Virginia
Devonshire from the UBC
MS Clinic as our first
speaker. Dr. Devonshire
gave a very informative
presentation about
neutralizing antibodies in
the treatment of MS. Our
second speaker, Lindy Deas
from the MS Chapter in
Toronto, was a wonderful
example for all of our
members and a delightful
person to meet and hear.
We would like to thank the
Coast Capri Hotel, a
corporate sponsor and
team leader in our annual
WALK, for the great service
and tasty luncheon.
Two of our most devoted
members have left our fair
city for other vistas. A bon
voyage party for Pierre and
Diane Morazain was held
in late March. Many of our
members dropped in to
our centre to enjoy cake
and company and to offer
extra hugs and good
wishes to Diane and Pierre.
As founding members of
our Chapter, they will be
missed but we wish them
all the best for the future.

We have started some
new programs this year,
including sessions of
Feldenkrais and Fit and
Stretch. We are
continuing the
therapeutic riding
program. After our great
success with a Mother’s
Day and Father’s Day craft
event last year we are
continuing this year to
offer a fun day for our
members and their
children. The garden dirt
will come out of the
carpet eventually!
And don’t forget,
Kelowna Chapter is
hosting the 2004
Provincial Annual General
Meeting! (Details on the
AGM date and theme are
featured on page 17).
WEST KOOTENAY
CHAPTER
The West Kootenay's third
annual Super Cities
9 I
BC Bulletin – Summer 2004
Around the Province – Checking in with the Chapters (continued)
WALK/Run for MS was a
huge success this year! We
had a better turnout than
last year (maybe that had
something to do with the
weather, sunny and warm
instead of hail and gale
force winds!) and we have
raised about $24,000 so
far. There are still pledge
packages trickling in, and
we expect to reach about
$25,000 when the dust
clears. Thanks to all the
volunteers and community
sponsors for helping make
our event such a success.
Our next fundraiser,
planned for June 10, is
called “A Taste of Nelson.”
Not a new idea, but a good
one: we have asked several
of our local restaurants to
provide a sampling of their
signature dishes and we
will sell tickets so people
can taste a variety of foods
prepared by some amazing
local chefs.
SOUTH
OKANAGAN/
SIMILKAMEEN
CHAPTER
Our Chapter once again
completed a very successful
WALK/Run, raising
approximately $35,000. A
very special thank you to
all our participants,
sponsors and volunteers
and a very, very special
thank you to the Penticton
Lions Club who have
supported us since our first
WALK/Run in 1998 and
have very generously and
capably looked after the
route traffic control and
rest stops as well as
cooking hot dogs, fries, etc.
Thank you also to Laurel
D’Andrea who has
coordinated a second
successful WALK/Run for us.
WALK HIGHLIGHTS
Top Individual Fund Raiser
– Ken Carlson $6,815
(with more to come)
Top TeamMS –
Oliver/Osoyoos
Peer Support Group
$8,985.05
Top Corporate Team –
The Keremeos Pharmasave
Dream Team $1,688.25
Team Spirit Award – The
“Cosmo Cuties” from
Oliver Valley First
Credit Union
Oldest Participant – Paul
Lautard, 81 years young,
joining the WALK for a
second year
Youngest Participant –
Lexus Godard, age 4

We anticipate a busy
summer and fall for our
Chapter, starting off with
our Carnation Campaign,
followed by a
picnic/barbecue in July
and the annual Casabella
Princess Cruise for our
members and families in
August. We are also
looking forward to a visit
from Dr. Dessa Sadovnick
in October when she will
present on her work at
UBC studying risk factors
related to MS and
family history.
Our Yoga Program has
expanded to Osoyoos and
we now have an active
Yoga Program at both
Penticton and Osoyoos
and an Aqua/Exercise
Program at Osoyoos. For
more information about
these programs and
activities, please call the
Chapter office at (250)
493-6564 or drop in at our
new location 3373 Skaha
Lake Road. Just a
reminder, we no longer
have our post office box,
so please send any mail
directly to 3373 Skaha
Lake Road, Penticton,
BC V2A 6G6.
10 I
BC Bulletin – Summer 2004
Around the Province – Checking in with the Chapters (continued)
PRINCE GEORGE
CHAPTER
The PG Chapter is thrilled
once again with the
“gourmet” international
meal created by the
cooking students at the
College of New Caledonia
at our second Global
Dinner. We raised $728 for
MS research and plan to
expand next year.
A heartfelt thank you goes
out to Esther Beauchesne
for the ongoing success of
our MS Yoga program.
The students practicing
yoga have generally
reported higher levels of
energy, decreased levels of
anxiety and stress and
▲
Prince George’s Global Dinner with the College of New Caledonia
increased feelings of
general well-being.
We released the third
edition of the PG
MeSsenger in April. Our
editor Tim Lee has worked
diligently at making our
newsletter a newsworthy
document. So far we have
seen sections on books of
interest, PG Chapter events,
current MS research, where
to look for info on MS and
of course humor.
With the MS Carnation
Campaign now just
concluded, we thank our MS
Support Group, the Realtors
of PG, Kiwanis Club of PG,
Rotary Clubs and Knights
of Columbus for continuing
to support our Chapter!

In 1987, Denny was
diagnosed with MS at the
age of 53. He and
Margaret had been
together for 11 years, and
receiving a diagnosis of
MS was a terrible shock to
them both. However, they
both felt that it was very
important to live in the
present and “make
memories for the future.”
A diagnosis of MS brings
many unknowns and both
Margaret and Denny
wanted to take advantage
of his physical abilities
prior to any possible
changes. At that point,
neither of them could
really believe that his
ability would deteriorate.
Their passion was travel.
Margaret left her job and,
together, they explored
China, Australia, New
Zealand and parts of
Europe. Margaret
especially enjoyed the
11 I
BC Bulletin – Summer 2004
Margaret and Denny’s Legacy of Love
opportunity to fully
explore the country of her
birth, England. In those
early days of travelling, it
was difficult to believe
that MS would prevent
Denny from continuing to
enjoy his retirement.
Unfortunately, all too
soon, Denny began to
experience problems
walking, and many other
challenges quickly
appeared. Almost
overnight it became clear
that intermediate care
was inevitable, and
Denny’s condition rapidly
deteriorated. Sadly, he
passed away in the
spring of 2002.
In addition to the many
personal memories made
in their days of travel,
Margaret and Denny
decided to create a more
lasting legacy. They
decided to leave a
planned gift to the MS
Society in their will to
help support the society’s
research initiatives. They
felt it was important to
contribute to the
community and be part of
finding a cure.
One lovely memory of
Denny that Margaret
always cherishes was his
willingness to invite other
single travelers to
accompany them – at
dinner or on a daily
outing. He hated to
think of people being
alone. Denny’s
willingness to help others
has certainly translated
into a lasting legacy.
If you would like to find
out more about how you
can establish a legacy for
a loved one or any other
type of planned gift,
please contact Lisa
Fratpietro, Manager,
Major Gifts/Planned
Giving, at (604) 602-3213,
or by email at
lisa.fratpietro@mssociety.ca.

One of the greatest
resources for people living
with MS, their families or
caregivers is the network
of Self-Help Groups (SHGs)
around the province.
Currently there are over 50
groups in British Columbia,
and one group in
Whitehorse, the Yukon
Territory. These groups are
independent and
autonomous entities from
the MS Society, and the
groups and their leaders
work very hard to help
others come together, to
share common experiences
or concerns.
SHGs can provide mutual
aid, personal support, and
friendship. Each group
differs in its goals and
structure. For example,
some groups focus on
education and information
and may invite speakers to
their meetings. Other
groups focus more on
social contact and
emotional support. Some
groups even become
12 I
BC Bulletin – Summer 2004
Self-Help Groups – Support and
Friendship in Your Community
involved in advocacy and
attempt to initiate changes
in government policy or
public opinion.
Many SHGs become actively
involved in the MS Society’s
fundraising events to assist
the Society and also to raise
funds for the group itself.
SHGs that register as a
group in fundraising events
keep 10 percent of the
funds they raise for their
own use. The group
members themselves decide
how to use this money,
whether to support
individual members, to fund
social or recreational
activities, or other causes.
It is part of the natural cycle
of support groups to go
through some ups and
downs and groups depend
on fresh blood and new
faces to join, to participate
and to contribute. If you
have not been in contact
with your local SHG yet, you
may want to consider
attending a few meetings,
and get to know your local
MS community. You may
find a valuable source of
support and information
and new friendships!
The latest addition to the
SHG family is a new group
in Squamish. You can find
out if there is a SHG in your
area by checking the listings
at the back of the BC
Bulletin or by calling the MS
Society at 1-800-268-7582 or
(604) 689-3144.
If there is no local SHG in
your area and you are
interested in starting a new
group, please contact the
MS Society and speak to
one of our Community
Services Coordinators. We
will be able to provide you
with guidance and support
in starting your own group.

This spring the BC Division
of the MS Society of Canada
launched “Read-A-Thon,” a
fundraising and literacy
event that has run in other
provinces since 1977. Thirty
schools across BC, from
Abbotsford to Prince Rupert,
participated with both
public and independent
schools represented.
Participating students
ranged in age from
kindergarten to Grade 7.
How it works
The program starts in
participating schools with
an interactive presentation
to a school assembly about
multiple sclerosis and Read-
A-Thon. In most cases, the
presentation is conducted
by MS Society staff or
volunteers. Students
register individually and
spend three weeks
collecting pledges and
counting the number of
minutes they read each day.
Students can read anything
they choose, from fiction
and poetry to non-fiction
and newspapers, as long as
it is to their level of reading.
Younger children can even
be read to by teachers or
parents. The program is
13 I
BC Bulletin – Summer 2004
Read-A-Thon Raises Funds
and Literacy Across BC
designed to be both flexible
and easy for schools to
administer, and often fits in
with the schools’ own
literacy programs and goals.
Recognition
The top readers and
fundraisers in each school
and province-wide are
recognized, and there are
exciting prize incentives for
all Read-A-Thon participants.
As well as raising money for
a worthwhile cause, the
program promotes literacy,
disability awareness and
community values.
Results
The final results for each
school were still coming in as
this issue of the BC Bulletin
went to press. One Read-A-
Thon success story came
from the 78 children at
Cayoosh and George
Murray Elementary
schools in Lillooet,
who raised an
unbelievable
$3,700.89 for the
MS Read-A-Thon! This is an
amazing testament to their
support for people who
have been affected by MS—
including two teachers in
their community.
Get involved in your
community
The spring Read-A-Thon
finished at the end of May,
and the fall program starts
in September. If you are
interested in registering a
school, or volunteering as a
presenter, contact Tanya
Sealey on 604-602-3203 or at
tanya.sealey@mssociety.ca.

The MS Society’s
government and
community relations
activities focus on longterm
and repetitive
opportunities to highlight
our issues and build
relationships with
government leaders. On
March 25, 2004, MS
Society division, board and
chapter representatives
14 I
BC Bulletin – Summer 2004
MS Society Meets With the Health Caucus
▲
met with members of the
Provincial Health Caucus
to advocate for raised
awareness of MS health
issues and the need for
action on equipment
related issues.
Several MLAs voiced close
personal affiliations with
someone with MS, and
provided advice on the
most effective ways to
move MS Society issues
forward. The meeting was
productive in raising
awareness of MS with
provincial government
decision makers, and their
suggestions will be
followed up in future
government
correspondence and
advocacy activities.
Left to right – Walt Cobb, MLA; Dave Hayer, MLA; Barb MacLean, Executive Director, Family Caregivers Network Society; Gordon Hogg, MLA; Chris
Fortune, Capital Region Chapter President; Harry Bloy, MLA; Randy Hawes, MLA; Mary Macdonald, BC Division Executive Director; Wendy Galt, BC
Division Board Member; and Cynthia McEwan, Manager, Government and Community Relations.

As the new title for social
action suggests, building
“government relations” is
an important aspect of
encouraging effective
policy change. Similar to
relationships we build in
our personal lives,
relationships with
government officials
involve a process that relies
on respectful exchanges
and the cultivation of
common interests.
Understanding the roles of
elected officials and public
servants is important in
building relationships and
moving issues forward.
Politicians face the
challenge of balancing
social and economic goals,
and need supporting
evidence for both factors
that is presented in a
clear, concise and
respectful message. Using
anger or animosity to get
the message across will
surely get the door closed,
but respect will, at the very
least, keep government
representatives neutral,
but engaged.
Most policy changes take
considerable effort and
time to accomplish.
15 I
BC Bulletin – Summer 2004
The Process of Building and Maintaining
— by Cynthia McEwan, Manager,
Government Relations Government and Community Relations
Policies are often complex,
intersecting with other
government programs and
priorities. Government
representatives are also
busy with many priorities,
and must regularly
balance conflicting public
opinions on issues.
Increasing awareness and
promoting policy change
requires sound and
thorough issues analysis
and tenacity, balanced with
the ability to compromise
when necessary. Quite
often, new priorities or
government’s inability to
offer everything asked for
means advocates may
often need to consider a
compromise as a small
victory.
Initiating policy change
involves developing a
plan, engaging others and
maintaining contact with
government. It is
important to gather allies
and select a small group
of leaders. You can find
support within Chapter
memberships, family
affiliations, friends, the
business community, city
counselors or other
—Continued on next page

politicians. Other health
and disability related
organizations are often
strong allies – many
organizations share
common concerns, and by
Congratulations to Ron Jones
of New Westminster, BC on
being named one of ten
remarkable Canadians
honored with the 2004 Berlex
Champions of Spirit Award!
Ron has been an active
volunteer with the MS
Society of Canada for over
20 years. He has served on
various boards; been a peer
support volunteer; and has
spoken at numerous newly
diagnosed workshops. Since
spearheading the MS
Society’s Volunteer Legal
16 I
BC Bulletin – Summer 2004
The Process of Building and Maintaining Government Relations (continued)
partnering on advocacy
initiatives, support for
issues can be expanded,
which increases the
chances of successfully
changing policy. Proper
BC Berlex Award-Winner a True
Champion of Spirit
Advocacy Program in 2002,
Ron has contributed more
than 1,400 hours of
volunteer time to assist
others living with MS with
tax and insurance
paperwork.
“Ron is a practical,
resourceful person who is
able to hurdle over any
obstacle that comes his way,”
said Adrianne Boothroyd,
Manager of the Lower
Mainland Chapter and the
person who nominated Ron
for the award. “Ron uses a
initiation and follow
through results in a more
effective and timely
resolution. Government
decisions are ultimately
made for the good of, and
the will of, the people.
Gather people and
political will can be
influenced.
For more information on
how to effectively initiate
social action efforts with
your government officials
and community members,
please contact Cynthia at
604-948-9731 or
cynthia.mcewan@mssociety.ca.
scooter as his mobility aid
and this does not stop him
from helping and
inspiring others, and
fulfilling his goals.”
Thank you Ron for your
many years of leadership in
the MS community and for
your outstanding
contributions as an active
volunteer and disability
advocate!
Berlex Canada will donate
$2,000 to the MS Society,
Lower Mainland Chapter,
on Ron’s behalf.

Do you know anyone who
would rise to the
challenge of playing 100
holes of golf in one day?
The 8 th Annual MS 100
Hole Golf Challenge takes
place on Monday,
September 20, 2004 at
Carnoustie Golf &
Racquet Club in Port
Coquitlam. This unique
tournament is suitable for
golfers of all levels, from
the weekend golfer to the
avid player. Each golfer is
provided with a golf cart,
17 I
BC Bulletin – Summer 2004
Mark Your Calendars!
MS 100 Hole Golf Challenge - the Dawn
to Dusk Experience
catered breakfast, picnic
lunch and a BBQ dinner,
as well as a massage on
the 9 th hole.
To participate, we ask that
you raise $1,500 in total
pledges, including a $100
self-pledge. This event is
open to a maximum of
40 golfers and we
encourage you to register
as early as possible. To
sign up for this event,
contact Tanya Sealey on
(604) 602-3203 or at
tanya.sealey@mssociety.ca.
AGM - Nominate Your Top Volunteer!
This year’s BC Division Annual General Meeting will
be held in Kelowna on November 12-13, 2004, at
the Coast Capri Hotel.
The theme this year is “Volunteers.” All of our
volunteers are special and a valuable asset to our
MS community, so we are asking each Chapter and
Self-Help Group in BC to nominate one or more
volunteers from their area for special recognition.
Top volunteers will be recognized with our
“Volunteer Appreciation Award.”
Submit your choices for the
award to Lynda Little:
• by mail to the Drop-In Centre,
1959 Kirschner Road,
Kelowna, BC V1Y 4N7;
• by phone (250) 762-5850;
• by fax: (250) 762-5897;
• or by e-mail to
info.kelowna@mssociety.ca.

Carnation Campaign Blossoms in BC’s
Legislature
On May 5, BC MLAs were
greeted on their way in to
the legislature by
representatives from
Capital Region Chapter,
who pinned carnations on
MLA lapels and gathered
donations for the MS
Society as part of the MS
Society’s May Awareness
and Carnation Campaign
activities. Cariboo South
MLA Walt Cobb read out
a private member
statement describing the
purpose of the carnation
campaign and the need
for funds for MS research
and support. Thanks to
Cynthia McEwan for
ensuring the many
government protocols
This year marked the 28 th
anniversary for the MS
Society’s ever-popular
Carnation Campaign. On
Mother’s Day weekend,
May 6-9, thousands of
volunteers across Canada
sold carnations on street
corners, malls and other
locations.
18 I
BC Bulletin – Summer 2004
were covered in
this successful
effort to raise
awareness of
MS with our
elected
representatives.
Statements
about MS
Awareness
Week and the
MS Carnation
Campaign were
also made the
week of May 3-
7 in the House
of Commons,
the Senate and
the Ontario
legislature.
▲
This year the Lower
Mainland Chapter
rejoined the campaign,
and introduced a new
component to the
Carnation Campaign: presales.
Pre-sales involved
contacting business,
restaurants, golf clubs and
other organizations to
Capital Region Chapter President Chris Fortune and BC
Premier Gordon Campbell sport Carnation Campaign
boutonnieres outside the legislature.
Lower Mainland Chapter Rejoins the
Carnation Campaign
give them the opportunity
to pre-purchase floral
bouquets, 4” mini
carnations and single stem
carnations. Pre-sales
ensure flower purchases
are confirmed and paid
for at the time of order.
The Lower Mainland
—Continued on next page

Chapter was excited to
report that 27 organizations
participated in this year’s
campaign raising well over
$10,000. We could not have
achieved this tremendous
success without our hard
working and committed
volunteers. Thank you to
everyone for your efforts
19 I
BC Bulletin – Summer 2004
Kamloops Project Raises $10,000
In May 2001, Colin
Frederick and Dale
Claughton formed the
Coast to Coast for MS
Society: a fundraising
project that would see
the pair cross Canada by
scooter to raise awareness
and money for MS
research and an MS clinic.
Thirteen days into their
trip the pair arrived in
Calgary, where due to
health reasons they had
to cut short their dream.
By then, the project had
raised over $10,000 in
cash and many additional
funds in the form of inkind
donations. In
February 2004 the board
of the Coast to Coast for
MS Society generously
donated the $10,000 to
the MS Society of Canada
for research purposes. The
donation was presented to
the MS Society at the
Kamloops and Area
Chapter’s February 12
Appreciation Event and 5 th
▲
Lower Mainland Chapter Rejoins the Carnation Campaign (continued)
across BC - together we
have made a difference!
• 26 communities across
British Columbia
participated in this
year’s campaign
• A record 20,000 live
flowers were sold
across British Columbia
Anniversary Celebration.
Donna Schlecht was also
on hand to receive an
Evelyn Opal pin in
appreciation of her
bequest to the MS Society.
Pictured from left to right – Donor Colin Frederick; BC Division Manager of Major Gifts/Planned
Giving, Lisa Fratpietro; and donor Donna Schlecht.
• 27 Lower Mainland
organizations prebought
flowers.

Family Members Group
programs provide support
and education to
spouses/partners, parents
and adult children of
people with MS. These
groups offer a safe place for
people to come and speak
openly about issues and
concerns while providing
education and information
on coping skills and MS.
Support, information, and
education come from an MS
staff facilitator and from
The Caring Balance
Caregiver Wellness
Funding Pilot Project
launched June 1, 2004 as a
second phase to the
previous Caregiver Special
Assistance Pilot Program.
This second pilot builds
upon the success and
evaluation findings of the
first pilot and will use
program guidelines that
were recently revised
following additional
stakeholder consultation.
This pilot will provide
further opportunities to
recognize and support
family/unpaid caregivers of
20 I
BC Bulletin – Summer 2004
Are You a Support Person
or Caregiver to Someone with MS?
the sharing of others in
similar circumstances.
The program is open to
(adult) family members and
spouses or partners.
Lower Mainland
There will be a new group
starting in the Lower
Mainland this September.
Space is limited so please call
Elaine Foley at the MS Society
(604) 689-3144 or email
elaine.foley@mssociety.ca
to secure your space or to
people with MS through
funding for individualized,
flexible self-care plans and
wellness activities.
Family members and friends
who are primary, unpaid
caregivers of people with
MS residing in the MS
Society of Canada’s British
Columbia, Alberta,
Saskatchewan, Manitoba,
Ontario and Atlantic
divisions are eligible to
apply for a maximum of
$300 starting June 1, 2004.
Application packages will
be available from the
following locations:
get more information.
Fraser Valley
Fraser Valley is hoping to
start a Family Members
Group in the Fraser Valley
(tentatively Abbotsford) in
September. This group will
be facilitated by MS Society
staff and/or two students.
Please contact Ulrike
Kleemann at
1-800-268-7583 or
ulrike.kleeman@mssociety.ca
for information.
The Caring Balance Caregiver Wellness
Funding Pilot Project
The Caring Balance project
staff at 1-866-922-6065 or
1-866-896-6339
caregivers@mssociety.ca
The BC Division office at
1-800-268-7582. On-line
at www.mssociety.ca
Applications will be
accepted beginning June 1,
2004 until March 31, 2005
unless all designated
project funds have been
allocated prior to that date.
In order to ensure equitable
access to caregivers from all
participating MS Society
—Continued on next page

Who is Making a Difference?
Nominate your choice for the National Awards Program
Every day, the hard work
and commitment of
volunteers, caregivers, MS
Society members, sponsors
and medical specialists
make a difference in the
lives of people with MS and
their families. The National
Awards Program is your
opportunity to recognize
these special people by
nominating them for a
divisional or national award.
Nomination forms and
information on each of the
awards have been distributed
to each BC chapter – contact
your local chapter for more
information or to request a
nomination form.
All nominations must be
submitted to BC Division by
Wednesday, July 14, 2004;
unfortunately late entries
Caring Balance... (continued)
divisions, applications are
not being accepted prior
to June 1, and applications
will be processed on a firstcome,
first-served basis.
For additional information,
please contact Michelle
Gibbens, Project Manager,
National Client Services
toll free at 1-866-896-6339
or by e-mail at
michelle.gibbens@mssociety.ca.
21 I
BC Bulletin – Summer 2004
will not be accepted. BC
Division will make its
selection from these
nominations, and forward
them to the national office
for judging. Award
winners will be confirmed
in late October.
Send your nomination to
attention Kim Walters:
• by mail - 1501-4330
Kingsway, Burnaby,
BC V5H 4G7
• by fax – 604-689-0377
AWARDS CATEGORIES
Division Award of Merit –
Member – one for each
division. Recognizes an
outstanding contribution by
a member of the MS Society
of Canada in furthering the
work of the MS Society on a
provincial / regional basis.
BC Division Award of Merit
– Non-Member – one for
each division. Recognizes an
outstanding contribution by
a person who is not a
member of the MS Society
or by an organization in
furthering the work of the
MS Society on a
provincial/regional basis.
National Award of Merit –
Member – one award
nationally. Recognizes an
outstanding contribution by
a member of the MS Society
of Canada in furthering the
work of the MS Society on a
national basis.
National Award of Merit –
Non-Member – one award
nationally. Recognizes an
outstanding contribution
by a person who is not a
member of the MS Society
or by an organization in
furthering the work of
the MS Society on a
national basis.
Opal Award – one national
award & six division awards.
Recognizes those who are
or have been caregivers to
people with MS and who
have demonstrated
outstanding commitment
and caring.
President’s Award – one
national award & six
division awards. This award
recognizes the valuable
contributions of persons
with MS within the MS
Society of Canada.
Nancy R. Perkins Award –
one award nationally.
Recognizes a person who
has made a significant
contribution on a national
basis over an extended
period of time. Typically,
the recipient will be a
board member who is
leaving active volunteer
service to the MS Society.

Sharing MS - Three
women share their
conversations of living
with Multiple Sclerosis
—By Linda Ironside with
Flora McLeod and Julie Zuby
“Sharing MS” is a book
by the people for the
people...people with
MS, that is.
Written by three women
with MS, for both men
and women coping with
the disease, as well as
their caregivers, family,
friends and professional
health care workers, this
informative book includes
essays by the principal
writer, Linda Ironside,
some of which first
22 I
BC Bulletin – Summer 2004
New in the MS Society Library
appeared in the BC Bulletin
as “Claude and Friends.”
Most of the book is
comprised of edited
e-mail letters between
Linda and Flora McLeod, in
BC, and Julie, in the US.
The book provides a frank
look at the day-to-day
struggles and lessons we all
have; we often find humor
in our situations. There
are no victims in this book,
only women with
secondary-progressive MS
working hard to keep their
illness in perspective. If
you like eavesdropping on
conversations, you’ll enjoy
“Sharing MS” published
this year by White Knight
Publishing.
Check out these additional new
resources available from the
MS Society’s lending library:
Fall Down Laughing: How Squiggy Caught
Multiple Sclerosis and Didn’t Tell Nobody
David L. Lander, Jeremy P. Tarcher/Putnam,
2000, 198 pages.
Living with Multiple Sclerosis:
After the Diagnosis
MS Clinic, UBC Hospital, Vancouver Coastal
Health Authority, 2004, 28 minutes.

Abbotsford
Betty (604) 859-2739
Armstrong
Cindie (604) 546-3283
Burnaby
Lawrence (604) 552-5560
Metrotown
(Friday Drop-in)
Sam (604) 273-7574
Burns Lake
Louise (250) 692-7479
Pennie (250) 692-7072
Campbell River
Ray (250) 286-0852
Castlegar
Jan (250) 365-6264
Chase
Georgie (250) 679-3505
Andrea (250) 679-3576
Chilliwack
Don (604) 795-2529
Comox Valley
Joan (250) 338-0448
Cranbrook (East Kootenay)
John/Sylvia (250) 489-4740
Creston
Ken (250) 428-7737
Cowichan Valley
Judy (250) 748-3933
Dawson Creek
Joyce (250) 782-2705
Duncan
Judy (250) 748-3933
23 I
Grand Forks
Cathy (250) 449-2177
Gibsons/Sunshine Coast
Ellen (604) 886-4651
Houston
Corrie (250) 845-7759
Kamloops
Cherye (250) 828-0413
Ladner/Tsawassen
Elaine (604) 946-6658
Langley
Dennis (604) 533-7655
Logan Lake
Cindy (250) 523-6334
Midway
Cathy (250) 449-2177
Merrit
Ann (250) 378-5327
Mission
Judy (604) 826-0116
Nanaimo
Iris (888) 844-2047
Nelson
Darlene (250) 359-7494
Lonnie (250) 352-3997
North Shore
Gerry (604) 987-6701
Marilyn (604) 929-0146
John (604) 929-7132
Sheila (604) 990-1314
Oliver/Osoyoos
Cathy (604) 495-6866
BC Bulletin – Summer 2004
Self-Help Groups in BC
Self-Help Groups (SHGs) are groups of people who come together to
provide mutual support and share information. Although the
groups are affiliated with the MS Society, the contacts listed below
are volunteers and not paid staff. Call your local SHG to find out
more about activities in your area. If you would like to establish a
SHG in your area, contact the MS Society at 1-800-268-7582.
Parksville/Qualicum
Kathy (250) 752-5721
Port Alberni
Yvette (250) 723-9345
Shirley (250) 724-4646
Port Hardy
Ed (250) 949-7007
Port McNeil
Mike (250) 956-4578
Powell River
Brin (250) 485-7338
Prince George
MS Chapter (250) 564-7074
Richmond
Pat (604) 271-6065
Salmon Arm
Aileen (250) 833-0527
Donna (250) 832-4427
Sechelt
Ellen (604) 886-4651
Shuswap
Bill (250) 833-4916
Smithers
Beth (250) 847-4855
Surrey
Pat (604) 594-1951
Saanich Peninsula
Dorothy (250) 656-5764
Squamish
Paddy (604) 898-2049
Terrace
Doug (250) 635-4809
Trail/Rossland
Estelle (250) 362-5517
TriCities
Diana (604) 941-5122
Vancouver
Evelyn (604) 739-6970
Vernon
Rene (250) 545-5723
Victoria
Bonne (250) 388-6496
Whitehorse
Carol (867) 633-4151
White Rock
Susan (604) 536-5019
ONE-TO-ONE CONTACT
Chetwynd
Ann (250) 788-3991
Clearwater
Mila (250) 674-3526
Kitimat
Sylvia (250) 632-3926
Mackenzie
Sandra (250) 997-6098
Sandspit
Sandra (250) 637-5693
Williams Lake
Gwen (250) 392-4308
MS Wellness Group
Wendy (604) 464-9133
Gloria (604) 941-0791

24 I
MS Bike Tours
“Grape Escape” one-day tour – August 8
“Grape Escape” two-day tour – August 7, 8
RONA MS Bike Tours
Vancouver – August 15
Fraser Valley – August 22
Kamloops – September 12
MS 100 Hole Golf Challenge
September 20, Carnoustie Golf and
Racquet Club, Port Coquitlam, BC
Read-A-Thon
September 2004
BC Division Provincial Annual General Meeting
November 13, 2004
Hosted by Kelowna Chapter
Canada Post Publication Number 40063333
Return Undeliverable Canadian
Addresses to Circulation Dept.:
1501-4330 Kingsway
Burnaby, BC V5H 4G3
BC Bulletin – Summer 2004
2004 – Coming Events Tell us where you’re @
Over the next several months,
the BC Division of the MS
Society of Canada will be
looking at ways we can take
advantage of Internet and email
technology to provide you
with the information you need,
when you need it. If you would
like to receive MS Society
information by e-mail, exchange
your printed copy of the BC
Bulletin for electronic
notification, or
ensure that your email address
is up-to-date in our system,
please contact Lana Austin at
1-800-268-7582, or (604) 689-3144.
Help Make This Year’s MS Bike Tours a Huge Success!
How you can help. . .
- Register as an individual or rally your friends, co-workers and family to form a TeamMS
- Cycling not for you? Be sure to tell anyone who cycles or cares about people with MS
For more information, please check us out at
www.MSBikeTours.com or call 1.800.268.7582
It’s a great way to enjoy BC’s beautiful landscape while united in a common cause.
>> We welcome your feedback on the BC Bulletin. Please contact us with comments or
suggestions for future issues at kim.walters@mssociety.ca.

Membership Form
Please mail or fax in your new membership or membership
renewal form and payment to: MS Society of Canada,
BC Division 1501-4330 Kingsway, Burnaby, BC V5H 4G7
Membership with the MS Society provides up-to-date information through Division, Chapter and National newsletters. You will
be eligible to vote at the Annual General Meeting. If there is a Mutiple Sclerosis Society Chapter in your area, do you wish this
application and membership fee forwarded in order to receive Chapter newsletters and be informed of educational events in
your area? (See below for more information). ■ Yes ■ No
■ Mr ■ Mrs ■ Ms ■ Miss ■ Dr
Last Name First Name Initial
Street
City Province Postal Code
Email May we send you information by email? ■ Yes ■ No
Home Phone ( ) Work ( )
May we contact you for volunteer activities in your community? ■ Yes ■ No
I agree to provide the above personal information and certify that the above information is accurate. ■ Yes ■ No
MEMBERSHIP FOR:
■ FAMILY ■ INDIVIDUAL
Please select membership
type from the following:
ANNUAL ($10.00)
■
FAMILY ANNUAL ($10.00) ■
PROFESSIONAL ($10.00) ■
COMPLIMENTARY ($0.00) ■
Donation gratefully received: $
Total enclosed: $
Complimentary Memberships
The Multiple Sclerosis Society of Canada may offer complimentary
memberships in your local office, including one for persons with MS.
This requires you to disclose that you have multiple sclerosis. If you wish
to take advantage of this complimentary membership (if applicable) and
do not object to disclosing that you have MS, please check here: ■
This information will be kept confidential.
IF THE MEMBERSHIP FEE (RENEWABLE ANNUALLY) PRESENTS FINANCIAL
HARDSHIP, PLEASE CONTACT THE MS SOCIETY OFFICE.
MS CHAPTERS
PLEASE CHECK THE CHAPTER TO WHICH YOU WISH TO HAVE YOUR APPLICATION AND MEMBERSHIP FEE
■ CAPITAL REGION CHAPTER ■ CENTRAL ISLAND CHAPTER ■ KAMLOOPS AND AREA CHAPTER
■ KELOWNA CHAPTER ■ LOWER MAINLAND CHAPTER ■ NORTH VANCOUVER ISLAND CHAPTER
■ WEST KOOTENAY CHAPTER ■ PRINCE GEORGE CHAPTER ■ SOUTH OKANAGAN/SIMILKAMEEN CHAPTER
PRIVACY RESPONSIBILITIES
The Multiple Sclerosis Society of Canada, BC Division is aware of its responsibilities under the Personal Information Protection and Electronics
Documents Act (PIPEDA) and other applicable privacy legislation. It limits its collection of personal information to that necessary to serve its
members in providing them with information and member services. The MS Society does not share, exchange, trade or sell members’ personal
information to external parties. Personal information is stored in a secure manner and protected against unauthorized access. MS Society staff
and volunteers are aware of their obligations and responsibilities to safeguard individuals’ rights to privacy and are required to adhere to an
internal confidentiality policy. Any questions concerning the MS Society of Canada’s use of personal information should be directed to Janet
Palm, Privacy Officer, MS Society of Canada, BC Division, 1501-4330 Kingsway, Burnaby, BC V5H 4G7, (604) 689-3144. Email: info@mssociety.ca.