May 5 Research Forum for the public in Ottawa will showcase programs and services offering hope for the future
TORONTO, May 4, 2017 /CNW/ - Parkinson Canada invites Ottawa area residents to attend its public Research Forum and community celebration. During the event, Daphne FitzGerald, Chair of the Board of Parkinson Canada, will welcome special guest Ottawa-Centre MPP Yasir Naqvi, along with James Puddicombe, a volunteer with the Ontario Trillium Foundation.
"It is always rewarding to see the connections grant recipients are able to make with people in need at the community level. When we partner with organizations like Parkinson Canada, we believe that collaboration provides the greatest benefits for our community's families," says Yasir Naqvi, MPP for Ottawa Centre, one of the communities that will directly benefit from expanding resources for people with Parkinson's and their families.
In 2016, Parkinson Canada received a three-year, Grow grant of $637,300 from the Ontario Trillium Foundation to expand services in the province by adding three new community development positions: Marielle Henderson, based in Thunder Bay serves North West Ontario; Paul Scibetta, based in Brantford, serves Southwestern Ontario and Margaux Wolfe, in Ottawa serves Eastern Ontario.
As many as 40,000 Ontarians live with Parkinson's. This expansion initiative aims to alleviate social isolation and create connections for more than 1,200 people. Even in mid-size communities, ranging from 20,000 to 100,000, access to Parkinson's programs and services may be difficult. By linking individuals with appropriate programs and services, the daily challenges of Parkinson's can be better managed. Now, there is help and hope closer to home.
"People in the communities I reach tell me how much they appreciate the services they receive from Parkinson Canada," says Wolfe. "From support groups to education and research events like today's forum, we are definitely fulfilling a growing need."
Each day in Canada, more than 25 people are diagnosed with Parkinson's disease. Across the country, staff and volunteers, serve communities in a similar fashion. If you, or someone you know, are looking for answers or support, connect with Parkinson Canada. We encourage you to reach out and make a connection.
People interested in Parkinson's research and in how discoveries become practical resources to improve their daily life with Parkinson's are invited to hear two noted Canadian researchers Dr. Ron Postuma of McGill University and Dr. Silke Cresswell of the University of British Columbia. Both experts will be speaking at the Parkinson Canada Research Forum on May 5 from 3 to 5 p.m. at the Lord Elgin Hotel, 100 Elgin Street in Ottawa.
For more information about the May 5 Research Forum and to register for this free community event, please contact Margaux Wolfe at 1-800-565-3000 ext. 3425 or by email at [email protected]. Advance registration is required.
About Parkinson Canada
Parkinson Canada is the voice of Canadians living with Parkinson's disease. From diagnosis to discovery, the organization provides education, advocacy and support services to people living with Parkinson's, caregivers and health care professionals. The Parkinson Canada Research Program funds innovative research to search for better treatments and a cure. Parkinson Canada is an Imagine Canada accredited organization. Visit www.parkinson.ca.
About the Ontario Trillium Foundation
As an agency of the Government of Ontario, the Ontario Trillium Foundation (OTF) is one of Canada's largest granting foundations. With a budget of over $136 million, OTF awards grants to some 1,000 projects every year to build healthy and vibrant Ontario communities. www.otf.ca
Photo opportunities with people living with Parkinson's, researchers, special guests and/or Parkinson Canada staff will be available at 3 p.m. on May 5. Ottawa-Centre MPP Yasir Naqvi and a representative from the Ontario Trillium Foundation will be available after 4:30 p.m. Interviews can also be arranged on site.
SOURCE Parkinson Canada
Contact in advance and on site: Marina Joseph, Parkinson Canada, Before or after May 5: 416-227-3399, or 1-800-565-3000, ext. 3399, On May 5, by cell: (416) 312-8692
Share this article