Message from the CEO

We are pleased to present our new quarterly newsletter! We hope you enjoy getting to know us better, staying informed and receiving exciting news about Muscular Dystrophy Canada and the clients we serve.

Over the last two years, Muscular Dystrophy Canada has made great strides in creating greater alignment nationwide for our people, moving more money to mission activities and raising the profile of our cause with those who can make a difference.

I would like to thank you for your ongoing support and dedication as we continue to make progress, Pushing beyond Possible and striving to serve more Canadians dealing with the realities of a neuromuscular disorder. We could not do it without you, our loyal donors and supporters. 

Thank you and enjoy!

MDC Newsletter – Fall 2018

MDC Newsletter – Winter Issue 2

MDC Newsletter – Winter Issue 3

My story is much like many Canadians, perhaps not that different from yours.  My parents immigrated from The Netherlands in the 1950s, settling on a dairy farm. We grew up going to school, working on the farm, enjoying 4H and being part of the fabric of rural community.

With the physical strains of farm life, I never had to wonder about my mother’s aches and pains at the end of a long day. Struggling to rise from her chair, the complex realities of myotonic dystrophy had yet to dawn on me.

As a volunteer Fire Fighter, I became aware of Muscular Dystrophy Canada and their work with Canadian Fire Fighters, from coast to coast. However, my department had never really been involved as fundraising was less of a priority than firefighting.

So, what changed for the Fire Fighters in the village of Martintown? Well, it became personal.
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Guelph Rooftop Campout 2016

Amongst the numerous ways Fire Fighters support Muscular Dystrophy Canada the Rooftop Campouts has become a very popular winter fundraising event.  It’s been over a decade since Rooftop Campouts were introduced in Alberta as another way for Fire Fighters, who have partnered with us since 1954, to challenge their communities to raise awareness and funds for Muscular Dystrophy Canada.  Rooftop Campouts have expanded nationwide and you can find one in every province throughout Canada.  Fire Fighter participants will endure below freezing temperatures, or opt for blistering summer heat, inclement weather, and whatever else nature throws their way during multi-day Rooftop Campouts.

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The National Fire Fighter Relations Committee (NFFRC) is an advisory committee to the Board of Directors of Muscular Dystrophy Canada.

The committee is comprised of up to twelve voting members who represent the fire service across Canada. Members of the committee are chosen on a provincial basis to represent the Fire Fighters in that province on the NFFRC.

The chair of the NFFRC is automatically given a seat on the Board of Directors where there are, currently, three additional directors who serve, or have served, in the fire service. This demonstrates the value that Muscular Dystrophy Canada places in the support received from Fire Fighters since 1954.

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Experience tells us that a high percentage of fires occur in the kitchen. Cooking is the main cause of home fires and fire injuries. You can prevent cooking fires. We strongly suggest you take these steps to keep yourself and your family safe while preparing meals.

• Cook when you are alert. Do not cook if you are drowsy or if you feel the effects of medication.
• Do not wear loose-fitting clothes when you cook.
• Roll your sleeves over your elbows when you cook.
• Move things that can burn away from the stove. This includes dishtowels, bags, boxes, paper, and curtains.
• Never leave a stove unattended while cooking. Turn off the stove if you must move away, even for a moment. Keep an eye on what you fry!
• Keep children and pets away. We suggest you create a three-foot safe-zone around the stove.
• Always use a pan with a lid that fits properly.
• Keep a lid nearby to smother any flames that occur unexpectedly.
• Turn pot handles toward the back of the stove so no one can bump them or pull them over.
• Be extremely careful when you have to move hot water from the stove to the sink. If practical use a ladle or a scoop to remove food from a boiling pot.
• Keep the area around your stove clean.
• Do not allow grease to build up around the stove. Built-up grease can catch on fire.

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