Annual Report 2007-2008.indd - Multiple Sclerosis Society of Canada

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MS Programs & Services in Alberta 2008 SG MS ActiveNOW MS Awareness Events MS Youth Events MS Support Groups MS Education Events Rycroft SG Grande Prairie Grande Cache MS Programs & Services for Young Adults Trail Rides to support local MS programs Fairview Jasper SG Manning Hinton High Level Peace River High Prairie Whitecourt Edson Lake Louise Drayton Valley Banff Slave Lake Edmonton SG SG SG Red Deer Calgary Nanton Fort Macleod Pincher Creek SG Athabasca Elk Island Park Camrose Cardston Stettler Drumheller SG Lethbridge SG Fort McMurray Cold Lake SG Grande SG Centre St. Paul Brooks Milk River Coutts Lloydminster SG SG Wainwright Oyen SG Medicine Hat
Neil Pierce, President, Alberta Division Suzanne Deschamps, Chair, Alberta Division Throughout Alberta we have been working hard to connect with and support people living with MS. We know we can’t do this alone. Our MS Ambassadors continue to play a vital role in helping us reach out to communities where we have traditionally had a limited presence. Less than two years ago this program was initiated through a significant anonymous grant; today over 70 MS Ambassadors help extend our reach. Over the last several years, and this past year in particular, we have focused on two things: reaching out to those who need help and those who can help us; and partnering for success. We are happy to report that this past year has been very successful in each of these areas. Together with our MS Ambassadors, we were able to host 18 MS Awareness and Education events in 17 different communities. We cannot overstate the importance of these events in making connections with individuals and families throughout Alberta. Prior to these events this past year, only a limited number of outreach activities took place outside of the major centres. MS Awareness and Education events not only deliver vital information and support – and sometimes a visit from a neurologist – they also deliver hope and a feeling of connectedness. We have also developed important partnerships with key government ministries and other nonprofit organizations. Working with Alberta Seniors and Community Supports, we have created a new program that will help alleviate loneliness and isolation among young people living with MS. The Friendly Visiting Program will see trained volunteers and staff visit young people with MS living in longterm care. For the time being the program exists in Edmonton and Calgary only. Together with Alberta Health and Wellness, in partnership with Alberta Disabilities Forum and Alberta Committee of Citizens with Disabilities, we have initiated a province-wide Respite Care Demonstration Project. This unique program recognizes the important role of the caregiver The YEAR in REVIEW and the need for respite when providing continuous care for a loved one with high-care needs. On the fundraising side, Alberta saw exceptional growth in 2008. The RONA MS Bike Tours in Alberta raised a total of $2.9 million, up 23 percent from the previous year. The Enerflex MS Walks raised $2.5 million throughout Alberta, up 19 percent. TeamMS also showed significant growth around the province, up 11 and 14 percent for the Bike Tours and Walks respectively. We are very pleased to report that St. Paul hosted its first MS Walk in 2008. The dedicated group of volunteers there raised $62,820 which will lead to new services for the Lakeland area. Some of the highlights from last year’s fundraising season include: - Lloydminster Chapter makes its largest MS research contribution ever, $89,943, more than doubling any previous year’s contribution - Lethbridge & District Chapter surpassed its goal of $140,000, raising over $150,000, a 17.5% increase over the previous year. - Central Alberta Chapter saw its revenue grow by 26% in 2008 and increased its research contribution by 81%. - For the third consecutive year, Calgary Chapter made a seven figure contribution to the national research program. This year’s contribution was $1,012,000. - In the North Peace Chapter the MS Trail Ride saw 91 riders hit the trail for MS and raise over $40,000. - 2008 saw the launch of the MS Society’s first ever national capital campaign. The endMS Campaign will help build the world’s first MS Research and Training Network. With the generous support of our volunteers, donors, sponsors and event participants, we anticipate 2009 will be another successful fundraising year, allowing us to increase MS research and deliver more services to more Albertans.
Page 1 and 2: Consolidated Annual Report 2007 - 2
Page 3: CONTENTS A Snapshot of MS Programs
Page 7 and 8: Meghan Cooper with husband Jason an
Page 9 and 10: Working to influence Social Change
Page 11 and 12: After Joan was diagnosed, Pat encou
Page 13 and 14: Albertans contribute $4.1 million t
Page 15 and 16: 2008 Fundraising Results ENERFLEX M
Page 17 and 18: VOLUNTEERS Our Heart & Soul Lloydmi
Page 19 and 20: Staffed Chapters CONTACT US Calgary

Annual Report 2007-2008.indd - Multiple Sclerosis Society of Canada

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