Category: Fundraising

What a year!

As we look back on 2024, I am so proud of what we accomplished. From coast to coast, we learned and affected change together. We continue to break through barriers and challenge ourselves at every turn. With our clients and their families at the heart of everything we do, we are excited and optimistic for what’s to come.

Because of you and so many like you, we have changed lives.

Together we:

  • Invested in three clinical fellows, two post-doctoral research fellows and several clinical and translational research projects. Investments in people and projects like this help to safeguard Canada’s contributions to discoveries, while at the same time, ensures that physicians have the necessary expertise to care for those living with neuromuscular disorders.
  • Supported access to assistive devices, technology and medical equipment to help our clients meet their goals, whatever they may be! These investments have helped some remain independent and in their own homes. For others necessary equipment has ensured their safety.
  • Navigated the complexities of policy change and are so proud that 100% of Canadian newborns have access to screening for spinal muscular atrophy. This means that families receive early diagnosis and the life-saving treatments they need, when they need it most.
  • Listened and learned through caregiver and family retreats. We know that living with a neuromuscular disorder can be isolating and we know that there is power in bringing people together. These retreats can be life-changing for all family members and a reminder that they are not alone.
“Thank you once again for the financial support provided by Muscular Dystrophy Canada. Last fall, my wife and I attended two community events, and through the warm atmosphere and conversations with others, we truly felt the care, support, and dedication that Muscular Dystrophy Canada provides to people living with neuromuscular disorders. As a new Canadian, these experiences have been particularly moving and impactful. Your kindness has not only touched my family deeply but has also become a vital source of encouragement. It has helped me face physical challenges and eased my mental and financial stress as I adjust to life in Canada. Thank you!”

Qingling Zeng, Muscular Dystrophy Canada client

These incredible investments continue to be top priorities as we enter 2025.

And we need your continued support today to ensure that our critical work continues. Please join us and become an MDC Changemaker. Becoming an MDC Changemaker means making a regular monthly donation.

Donate now

With your monthly gift, you can provide Muscular Dystrophy Canada with a crucial source of ongoing funding, enabling us to continue supporting the neuromuscular community, while also responding to immediate and urgent priorities – like emerging, promising research.

“We cannot afford to slow down. I can feel the momentum building as we are at the cusp of breakthroughs. New treatments and even cures are on the horizon. The future is now.”

Dr Hanns Lochmüller

Please give generously as we invest in the neuromuscular community. Together, we have already accomplished so much, and we are excited for what the future holds.

Donate now

Your gift, of any size, has an immediate impact. With your support, we can move forward into 2025, working to ensure that every Canadian affected by a neuromuscular disorder has an opportunity to achieve their own goals this year.

Thank you for your ongoing commitment.

Sincerely,

Stacey Lintern
CEO, Muscular Dystrophy Canada

P.S. There are lots of benefits available to you as an MDC Changemaker… including having a dedicated staff member to answer any questions you might have!

The 2024 Walk & Roll for Muscular Dystrophy Canada was a huge success thanks to you!

The Walk & Roll for Muscular Dystrophy Canada 2024 season is officially over, and it was a huge success, raising more than $1,089,000! Through 30 in-person events, we hosted more than 2,200 registered participants who joined us for fun-filled days, that helped break down the barriers faced by our neuromuscular community.

These special community events would not have been possible without the support of dedicated volunteers. We are so grateful to the 225 dedicated volunteers from across the country who donated their talent, skills and time totalling 1,000 volunteer hours to help make these amazing events the best they could be. Their hard work and enthusiasm helped create amazing events, and we are deeply thankful for their unwavering support and commitment to making a difference. Thank you!

This year, through a new initiative, we were thrilled to also support many individuals, groups, and schools with hosting their own Walk & Roll events in their local communities. These dedicated community members turned their commitment to breaking down barriers for the neuromuscular community into positive change by organizing, promoting and hosting their own Walk & Roll events. Thank you for your dedication and great work!

Thank you to all participants, donors, sponsors, volunteers, and everyone who participated, fundraised or attended a Walk & Roll for Muscular Dystrophy Canada event this year. Because of your hard work and dedication, Canadians affected by a neuromuscular disorder can continue to count on Muscular Dystrophy Canada for supportive programs and services, while we continue to fund ground-breaking research and champion advocacy efforts on their behalf. Thank you for making a difference and we hope to see you all again at next year’s Walk & Roll!

For more information on the Walk & Roll for Muscular Dystrophy Canada, visit walkrollmdc.ca.

Donor support makes a difference

When Sally and Cy Elston were approached by their longtime friend, Lloyd Lawrence, about supporting Muscular Dystrophy Canada, they rose to the challenge. Initially supporting a Dragon Boat Race fundraiser in Barrie, Ontario, their support has evolved over many years.
Now, Sally has continued the tradition they began together through her generous gifts to Muscular Dystrophy Canada. When asked why, Sally is clear. “It’s about people”, she says. “And the joy of knowing you are doing something for others”. While Cy passed away 15 years ago, Sally has remained steadfast in prioritizing philanthropic opportunities, “where (she) can do the most good for lovely people”.

Support from donors, like Sally, helps to eliminate the barriers that keep the neuromuscular community from reaching their full potential. Thank you for supporting our life-changing work. Every dollar matters and every donation is powerful!

Help families, like Danielle’s, get the answers and support they so desperately need.

Danielle has defied all odds throughout her life. As a world-record holding Paralympian, Danielle challenged herself to win a medal, and not only did she win one, but over the course of two Olympic games, she won seven. Danielle is a published book author and engages many as a motivational speaker at events nationwide. She’s a proud mom of five and has earned an honourary doctorate. Danielle also has spinal muscular atrophy (SMA).

When she was two years old, Danielle was diagnosed and her lifelong connection to Muscular Dystrophy Canada began.

Because of our donors, Muscular Dystrophy Canada has been able to stand shoulder to shoulder with Danielle and her family throughout every stage of her neuromuscular journey, from supporting them as they navigated through some difficult questions, helping to provide vital equipment and working together to ensure the systems around Danielle were set up to ensure her success.

Please make a gift today and help families, like Danielle’s, get the answers and support they so desperately need.

Donate now

“Not only did Muscular Dystrophy Canada provide emotional support to my family, but throughout my childhood they also provided support with equipment, advocacy, and navigating life with a neuromuscular disorder,” Danielle says. “Growing up, I had many questions: Would I be able to have kids? Would I pass this disorder on to my children? What would my prognosis look like? No matter what question or fear I had, I was always able to turn to Muscular Dystrophy Canada.”

Today, Danielle is thriving. But life isn’t always easy. Because receiving a neuromuscular diagnosis can be complex, Danielle received a new diagnosis recently. The good news is that this was possible because of our donors. Your investments ensured research continued to accelerate and change lives.

“Thanks to Muscular Dystrophy Canada’s donors, I have been able to finally get my official diagnosis of spinal muscular atrophy – lower extremities dominant (SMA-LED), after 10 years of genetic testing” Danielle says. “Thanks to this investment, I was also able to learn that my condition is genetic and there was a 50/50 chance it would be passed onto my children.”

Originally told she wouldn’t pass on her disorder, Danielle’s middle son, Samson was recently diagnosed with spinal muscular atrophy, just like his mom.

The path ahead for Danielle and Samson isn’t a straight line but is made easier because of Muscular Dystrophy Canada’s support, programs and services.

Our team is at the end of each phone call. We will answer every email, and we will help ensure Danielle, her family and everyone living with a neuromuscular disorder has every opportunity to meet their own goals, whatever they may be.

Donate today!

UNWAVERING COMMITMENT: FIRE FIGHTERS AND MUSCULAR DYSTROPHY CANADA CELEBRATE 70TH ANNIVERSARY

Through boot drives and tolls on local roads, community barbeques,
rooftop campouts, car washes, stair climbs and raffles – you name it – more than 600 fire departments, locals and associations across our country work with Muscular Dystrophy Canada every year so they can give all neuromuscular disorders “the boot” in this lifetime.

Fire Fighters have hosted these fundraising events for 70 years to support people affected by neuromuscular disorders.

“When it’s Fire Fighters and MDC together, we’re a family, and we know they need our help. So, when it comes to fundraising, I say, give me a challenge, and I’ll give you my best,” said volunteer Fire Fighter with Middlesex County, Launie Fletcher. Launie has been fundraising with Muscular Dystrophy Canada for 40 years!

Fundraising events also provide Fire Fighters with an opportunity to meet Canadians affected by neuromuscular disorders and see how they’re helping transform lives.

City of Edmonton career Fire Fighter, Courtney Polson added, “Events are just so rewarding for everybody because we see the difference they make. With Muscular Dystrophy Canada, I’ve seen firsthand where the money goes – how it makes a difference in people’s lives.”

To learn more about our 70-year partnership with Fire Fighters or to make a gift of appreciation, visit FilltheBoot.ca.

Muscular Dystrophy Canada’s partnership with Fire Fighters started in
1954
Total amount raised
by Fire Fighters over
70 years:
$103,607,542
2023:
$2.5 million
2024 goal:
$3.2 million

WALK & ROLL SEASON HAS OFFICIALLY STARTED

A huge thank you to everyone who participated in one of the 23 events this Spring. Whether you donated, volunteered, hosted your own event, or attended an event as a participant, THANK YOU for supporting the Walk & Roll for Muscular Dystrophy Canada and for helping to break down barriers for the neuromuscular community. And while we might be halfway through the season, there is still plenty of time to register for the Fall events.

Upcoming Walk and Roll’s include:

  • September 7 – Jonquiere, QC
  • September 8 – Belleville/Kingston, ON
  • September 22 – Calgary, AB & Vancouver Island, BC
  • September 29 – Toronto, ON

TBD:

  • Sherbrooke, QC
  • Surrey/Burnaby, BC
  • Grande Prairie, AB

At each Walk & Roll you’ll enjoy an amazing day filled with fun, community, and support for the neuromuscular community. Join us and help break down barriers for Canadians affected by neuromuscular disorders. Register today at WalkRollMDC.ca

New locations added to 2024 Walk and Roll for Muscular Dystrophy Canada

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Toronto, Ontario – Spirits are high as Canadians from coast to coast to coast get ready to walk and roll starting May 11 to raise funds and break down barriers in support of their friends, families and neighbours affected by neuromuscular disorders (NMDs).

The Walk and Roll for Muscular Dystrophy Canada (MDC) takes place in more than 30 communities across the country from May to October to raise critical funds to break down barriers for the neuromuscular disorder community, and ultimately find cures. Due to interest, events in Burnaby and Surrey, BC have been combined into one bigger celebration and new events have been added in Grande Prairie, AB and Sherbrooke, QC.

The goal is to raise $1.3 million.

“The Walk and Roll for MDC is a critical fundraising event. The funds raised by participants are invested in ground-breaking research, ensuring Canada is prepared to provide access to new life-changing treatments, while also filling the immediate need for treatment and care options,” said Stacey Lintern, CEO, Muscular Dystrophy Canada.

Dr Jodi Warman Chardon, Clinical Scientist in the Department of Medicine at the Ottawa Hospital added, “For many disorders, there isn’t a treatment yet, but MDC-funded research gives people true hope. We’ve made incredible discoveries in the last few years, and they’re just going to accelerate.”

Lintern continued, “Walk and Roll for MDC fundraising ensures that when someone needs vital equipment to help live their best life – or even save their life – they won’t have to struggle. Every dollar raised helps MDC deliver a variety of services for all Canadians while also raising the neuromuscular community’s voice and improving access to key decision-makers who can address gaps in the healthcare system.”

But Walk & Roll for MDC is more than a fundraiser. It is a fully accessible community event that is fun for families, friends, businesses and colleagues. It’s a chance for individuals and families to break down barriers together, connect with others who have similar experiences and share their learnings and words of support. It’s a chance for Fire Fighters to connect with the families they help all year long and for members of the research community to hear about individuals who have accessed treatment or therapies.

When you register or donate to the Walk and Roll for MDC, you are breaking down barriers for thousands of Canadians right now – while also giving hope to future generations. For more information on locations, to donate or register visit, WalkRollMDC.ca.

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ABOUT MUSCULAR DYSTROPHY CANADA

Muscular Dystrophy Canada’s mission is to enhance the lives of those affected by neuromuscular disorders by continually working to provide ongoing support and resources while relentlessly searching for cures through well-funded research. To learn more about Muscular Dystrophy Canada, visit muscle.ca or call 1-800-567-2873.

FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT:

Heather Rice
Director, Marketing & Communications
Heather.Rice@muscle.ca
902-440-3714

FIRE FIGHTERS IGNITE JOY AND MAKE LASTING CONNECTIONS

Fire Fighters go above and beyond in more ways than we can count!

For almost seven decades, dedicated and passionate Fire Fighters across Canada have been supporting the neuromuscular community in a variety of ways. They raise important funds through boot drives, rooftop campouts, stair climbs and other activities. But, did you know they also give their time at MDC events to connect with the community throughout the year?

In 2023, local Fire Fighters and their service dogs volunteered for MDC’s Alberta Family Retreat, putting a huge smile on everyone’s face! At our Quebec Family Retreat, families enjoyed various activities and entertainment, including Fire Fighters showing kids of all ages (even kids at heart) their truck. Fire Fighters also took part in several Walk and Roll for MDC events last year.

These are only a few examples of the incredible support, dedication and interest Fire Fighter partners offer the neuromuscular community year-round. We are so grateful for their commitment and all they help accomplish! To learn more about how Fire Fighters
support the NMD community visit filltheboot.ca

CELEBRATING VOLUNTEERS AS THEY CHAMPION CHANGE ACROSS CANADA

MDC is incredibly thankful to have volunteers who demonstrate extraordinary commitment to raising funds, increasing awareness and advocating for the NMD community, and supporting continued research. Volunteers give so much, in so many ways, it’s hard to express how appreciative we are for their dedication. One way MDC shows our gratitude and celebrates the contributions of all volunteers is with the annual Dr David Green Awards. Last year, we were very excited to celebrate some of these amazing people and organizations in front of their peers at MDC’s Champions of Change conference in November 2023 with the presentation of their awards. Thank you to every single person who gives their time, thought, skills, connections and passion to help support the Canadian neuromuscular community.
Want to change a life? Consider volunteering at MDC today!

Important Update on Phone Solicitations

Muscular Dystrophy Canada does not use telemarketing services. You can support Fire Fighters and help them Fill the Boot for Muscular Dystrophy Canada and the individuals and families affected by neuromuscular disorders by going to filltheboot.ca.

STATEMENT REGARDING PHONE SOLICITATIONS

Several years ago, the Canadian Fire Fighter Curling Association (CFFCA) retained a telemarketing company to assist in fundraising for their annual curling event. A portion of the funds raised in past years were donated to MDC.

Muscular Dystrophy Canada can confirm a campaign soliciting donations for the Canadian Fire Fighter Curling Association has begun, seeking donations that support the Canadian Fire Fighter Curling Association.

In the past, we received complaints regarding the tone and approach of these solicitation calls and brought this to the attention of the CFFCA President.

Should you have any concerns or questions please contact the Canadian Fire Fighter Curling Association directly at cffca.ca.

We sincerely thank all of our generous supporters for making our work possible. Again, to help Fire Fighters #filltheboot go to filltheboot.ca.