Upcoming Events at MS & Parkinson's

Dear Whanau,

This month, we have been inspired by the generosity of smaller groups and communities making a difference in the world. The Ashley Hotel near Rangiora held a fundraising event over a couple of weeks, raising $3,000. This amount was split between the Multiple Sclerosis and Parkinson's Community (MSPC) and the Rangiora Fire Brigade.

Owner Leeanne and the local patrons have first-hand experience with Parkinson's through Craig, who works behind the bar. Craig humorously notes that his Parkinson's helps him make the best milkshakes; he doesn’t even have to shake them, as his tremor does the job for him. Regulars jokingly tease that Craig often charges them five times the normal price because of his tremor. The Ashley Hotel has a warm atmosphere, friendly locals, and fantastic stories, so I encourage everyone to visit and thank them for their generosity.

Another remarkable group of fundraisers is the St. Andrew’s College from Year 9 form class 9T. They were given a project - to choose a cause to support and develop fundraising ideas to raise as much money as possible. One of the boys in the class has a grandmother affected by Multiple Sclerosis, and he made a compelling case to his classmates. They all agreed to support this cause. Throughout the year, they organized various fundraisers, including selling lemonade, baking and selling biscuits, and converting old horseshoes into art, ultimately raising an impressive $1,050 for MSPC. Our Fundraising Manager, Lina Stroud, had the privilege of meeting these incredible individuals.

Learning the value of giving and volunteering at such an early stage in life is invaluable. It helps us understand that everyone has the capacity to make a difference in the world, no matter which cause we choose to support.

Support Groups

Parkinson's Groups

3 Parkinson's Spouse/Partners Group Register to attend

9 Parkinson's Ashburton Group Register to attend

9 Parkinson's Rangiora Group Register to attend

12 Parkinson's Thursday Group Register to attend

16 Parkinson's UPBEAT under 65 Register to attend

17 Parkinson's Tuesday Group Register to attend

Multiple Sclerosis Groups

7 MS Saturday Peer Support - More info 10am at LB & Co, 118 Creyke Rd, Ilam

11 MS Ashburton - Register to attend

12 MS Hayley's Group, 10.30am Flax and Co - Register to attend

18 MS Wednesday Group Register to attend

TBC MS Rolleston – 2.30pm @ Pedal Pusher Rolleston

Open to All

6 Open Gym Group Register to attend

Nordic Walking every Friday at 10am at Hagley Park Car Park Register to attend

Remember to ask your Peer Support Coordinator about your next meeting date for your group as some of our groups are taking a break in January.

Events, Education & Clinics

2 MSPC Christmas Lunch Register to attend

3 Podiatry – Call to book

20 MSPC office Close

24 Last Day for Exercise

6 Jan MSPC office open

30 March Round the bays Register now

Important Upcoming Dates
The MSPC office close on the 20th of December
Last day of exercise classes is 24th December

The office and our classes will open on the 6th of January 2025

Round the Bays – 8.4km of Fun in Ōtautahi Christchurch

Come run, walk, or roll with us at Round the Bays on the 30th March 2025, this 8.4km event is for all ages and fitness stages and is a great opportunity for you to get fit and raise money for MS & Parkinson's Canterbury at the same time.

Get ready to lace up and maybe dress up. Pound the pavement – and the beach – in a fun-filled 8.4km. Run, walk or stroll around the bays from the estuary to the pier. You can bring your friends, whanau or workmates. There will be entertainment, medals, picturesque views and a morning of fun.

Run for a reason and start fundraising for MS & Parkinson's Canterbury.

If you have any questions contact Lina Stroud, lina.stroud@mspc.org.nz or 021-418 195

Keynote Speaker Fiona Lithander - Does diet matter? The role of nutrition in Parkinson's.

We had the pleasure of hosting Associate professor Fiona Lithander this week. Fiona discussed if diet matters and the role of nutrition in Parkinson's. She presented the latest research which examines the impact of nutrients, foods and dietary patterns on the management of Parkinson’s. You can now watch this talk on our YouTube channel

Fiona and her colleagues are looking for participants for their Parkinson’s and Nutrition (PAN) Survey. You can find more information below.

We are thrilled to let you know that we have a full set of teams for the MS & Parkinson’s Charity Golf Day on the 20th of February 2025.

More teams mean more prizes, auction items and raffles, so we still need your support.

Becoming a Sponsor - Limited sponsorship opportunities are available, offering excellent visibility for your brand.
Donating Auction, Raffle, or Gift Hamper Items - We welcome contributions of branded items, vouchers, or experiences that showcase your company’s products or services.

For more info contact Lina Stroud, lina.stroud@mspc.org.nz or 021-418 195

We only have 7 more seats left for the Christmas lunch

Date: 2 December 2024
Time: 12 - 1.30pm
Place: Papanui Club, 310 Sawyers Arms Road, Bishopdale
Cost: $22, pay when you arrive

Register Here

For anyone new to MSPC or if you haven't joined us before, then the Christmas lunch is a lovely time to get together and celebrate the year we've had. Papanui Club puts on an amazing spread of buffet style food and the desserts are to die for. There will be raffles and chocolate wheel so bring your gold coins.

For our regulars, you will notice an increase in cost this year. This is because the club is doing two buffet tables this year, meaning more people can attend, and the lines will move more quicky- win/win!

Highlight

MSPC held its AGM in September, and welcomed some new faces to the Board. We are so fortunate to have such a breadth of experience and skill coming onto the Board - all of whom have passion for supporting people with MS or Parkinson's, and their whanau. Several Trustees will be attending our Xmas Lunch - so please do say hello, and welcome them into the MSPC fold.

Rebecca Coombes

General Manager, Burwood Academy Trust

Research is my passion. I have worked for over 25 years as a researcher and in management.
I love problem solving and to enable others to succeed in their areas of research. At the Burwood Academy trust I enable some wonderful research and support for those with a lived experience of disability.

Chloe Joliffe

Partner, Anthony Harper

I am committed to ensuring clients get commercial practical advice in order to achieve optimal outcomes.

I have over 17 years of experience specialising in corporate recovery and insolvency and I enjoy the complexity involved in my work. I endeavour to be responsive, pragmatic, and considerate of my clients needs; qualities I hope to bring to the MSPC Board.

Jennifer Shepherd

Business Development & Marketing Manager, Selwyn House School

I am passionate about developing a brand that customers feel connected to - it’s clearly about people! Over the past 16+ years, I have helped schools, universities and businesses grow by implementing best practices in Marketing and Communications and delivering robust, effective and innovative strategies that target desired audiences and consumers.

Sandy Dunn

Director, Solutions and Services

My involvement over many years with MS & Parkinsons Canterbury began as my business partner was diagnosed with MS over 20 years ago. My background experience is as a member of school boards and a charity, primary school teaching, executive management of a secondary school, and the founding co-director of our company supporting schools with financial services and systems implementation for over thirty years. I work towards supporting people living with MS & Parkinsons so that they can navigate the system and live as independently as possible.

Travis Gordon

Business Manager, Camden Group and MSPC Board Chair

I joined MS & Parkinson’s Canterbury in mid-2021 and took on the role of Chair in November 2024. I work for a corporate dairy farming group which operates across 2,800 hectares and employs over 50 staff, managing the business support, human resource and finance functions as well as providing support to our Board of Directors I am dedicated to ensuring that our community is served well in the long-term by securing financial stability, fostering a collaborative culture with other organisations, and ensuring the services and support we provide met community need.

Maria Browne

Senior Property Manager, Colliers

I am a property professional with over 20 years’ experience in the Property & Construction industry throughout New Zealand and Australia. For Colliers I manage a large diverse portfolio which includes Retail, Office and Industrial properties throughout Christchurch and surrounding areas. I am also, proudly, a founding member the WIP collective; supporting wāhine in the Ōtautahi commercial property sector.

Jodi Gauci

Director/Owner of The Crowded House Coffee Company and Tulloch Road Ltd

I have volunteered and fundraised for many organisations, and well as being a Trustee for MSPC, I am on the board of Mainland Football Federation. My entrepreneur skills were employed in the development of the Crowded House Coffee brand and Café, and I am a third generation to work (and now own) Tulloch Road – a specialist transport provider.