From the Desks of Debbie Hunter & Marilyn Marsh….

I hope everyone enjoyed a lovely Thanksgiving and was able to spend some time with family and friends. Such a lovely time of year with the leaves changing color and cooler temperatures.

Our VON MS Smart exercise program restarted on September 30th at St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church in Whitby. If you’re interested in joining this seated group, let me know, I’ll forward the waiver to you and advise the instructor, Eileen. This program runs from 11-12pm every Wednesday and gives you a good core and upper body workout. Also, sf anyone is interested in volunteering to run a class, I’d like to hear from you. Training is provided by the Victorian Order of Nurses and your commitment is one hour, once a week. This worthwhile program could be set up throughout Durham Northumberland, are you able to help?

Do you have an interesting idea for an educational event here in Durham Northumberland? Let me know as we’re always looking for new topics for discussion.

Our equipment cupboard is bursting at the seams! We currently have a number of stair lifts, walker/rollators, canes, and assorted bathroom equipment. If you’re in need, please let me know. Based on an occupational therapist’s assessment and completion of our Quality of Life Equipment Grant application, the equipment could be in your home soon.

Don’t forget to call Kailey to register for our annual Christmas party. Always a fun afternoon and the best deal in Durham Northumberland at a cost of $5 per person for a sit down turkey dinner. JC and the Durham Community Choir will once again perform and we look forward to a great time.

If you’re interested in co-facilitating a support group for our membership, please contact me. We currently have groups in Pickering Village, Whitby, Oshawa and Cobourg, but it would be great to set up one in your area 

That’s it for me, now on to you Marilyn……

I echo much of what Debbie has said especially as to co-facilitating a group, or running a VON Smart exercise program. We could find free space to gather. As to equipment needs, equipment is no good in storage. It needs to be out with you being used.

I am in the process of taking orders for Christmas cakes/cookies. This annual fund raiser can net us as much as $1000.00. We will be ordering by the end of October. Cakes/cookies will be available from Meet at 66 King in Cobourg and at the Osland Farm Market in Welcome. All products except the cookies are up in price this year. Call me if you need a brochure. 1-905-797-2013.

Fall isin full swing, the trees turning all shades of yellow, orange and red. But it’s never too early to get excited about Christmas!Once again, the MS Society of Canada, Durham Northumberland Chapter has partnered with Vandermeer Nursery to offer beautiful Christmas Flowers. Be sure to get your orders in for friends, family and of course yourselfby November 18, 2016.

For more information and to place your order please contact Kailey O’Neill at or 905-626-8718.

Social Action Report by Mike Roche & Amanda Murrary

MS Ambassador Forum
Wednesday September 28, 2016

We met at Doubletree hotel off Dundas street west. The main goals for Wednesday were:

  • To meet MS Ambassadors and staff who will be participating in Queen’s Park Day
  • To discuss issues in depth and plan for MPP meetings within assigned teams
  • To inform policymakers of our issues and recommendations

We were given an overview of the main issues identified by the MS Society and how to have a successful meeting with MPPs and Parliamentary Assistants. There were about 20 people spread over 9 teams each with their own 2 or 3 meetings scheduled.

The issues are:

+Improving Caregiver supports by proving a refundable tax credit.

+Job retention and improving income support for people with disabilities.

+Independent living support namely, access to rehabilitation services.

+Accessibility improvements

Thursday, September 29, 2016.

We arrived at the Queens Park about 8:30 am and registered with security and received passes for the day. On Thursday Karen Scott, from Ottawa Chapter, and I met with Ernie Hardeman, MPP Oxford. Unfortunately, our later meeting MPP Han Dong MPP Trinity - Spadina, was cancelled at the last minute. At 11:00 we attended question period. At noon there was luncheon provided for MPPs with MS ambassadors and MS Society staff. A representative from MS Society and from each of the three parties gave speeches.After 1 pm, we continued with our meetings with MPPs.

Mike Roche, MS Ambassador, Durham Northumberland Chapter

Launch of MS Society Knowledge Network

The Multiple Sclerosis Society of Canada is pleased to be enhancing our services with the introduction of our MS Knowledge Network, a virtual knowledge centre. Accessible to all Canadians, the MS Knowledge Network will provide reliable information and support related to MS in a meaningful and timely manner. Individuals can connect in a variety of ways, as follows:
By phone: 1-844-859-6789
By email:
“Self-serve” by visiting the Information and Support sections of
When you call the MS Knowledge Network, you will connect with an MS Navigator who is knowledgeable on several MS related topics including research, provincial health systems, drug approvals, treatments, community services and more. Navigators also help with information about the services of the MS Society and other organizations including support to navigate the maze of community and health system resources.
The MS Society looks forward to building upon our valued information and support services with the introduction of our MS Knowledge Network.

For more information about upcoming education eventswithin the GTA

please visit the following website

Registrants can visit this link to choose events they wish to register for online

or be given phone/email contacts with whom to contact for more info.

MS Canada Fall/Winter Issue is here!

Keep up with the latest on MS research, ways to live well, and stories by Canadians affected by MS. MS Society members receive MS Canada as well as MS Society chapter newsletters. These publications are just some of the benefits of becoming a member of the MS Society of Canada. Get your copy by visiting the link below.

Annual Volunteer Awards

To make a nomination for one of the following awards please contact Kailey O’Neill at with a paragraph outlining how you feel your nomination meets the criteria below. Nominations are due by November 28, 2016

The “MS Community” Leadership Award is presented to a volunteer who exemplifies dedication to the Durham Northumberland Chapter, support of people living with Multiple Sclerosis and the work of the MS Society Canada.

The Inspirational Spirit Award is presented in recognition of volunteers who have Multiple Sclerosis and have been role models in providing guidance and support that improves the lives of others living with MS in Durham Region and Northumberland County and/or increased public understanding of their situation through such activities as leading support groups, public speaking, advocacy, volunteering and fundraising.

The Fundraising Achievement Award is presented to volunteers who contribute to the success of the Chapter’s fundraising efforts. Shows the ability to inspire and lead other volunteers while supporting the Durham Northumberland Chapter