2022-2023 YEAR IN REVIEW: ANNUAL REPORT HIGHLIGHTS

Accomplishments you made possible last year!

At its annual general meeting, the Muscular Dystrophy Canada Board of Directors officially issued its 2022-2023 Annual Report and what’s abundantly clear, is that thanks to your support we accomplished so much and broke down even more barriers for the neuromuscular community. Thank you!

  • We invested $2 million to fund: nine new clinical and translational science research projects through our Neuromuscular Research Grant Competition; six fellowships; two collagen 6-related dystrophy (Col6-RD) research projects in partnership with CureCMD; and, other projects to ensure the momentum we are seeing in research continues.
  • We partnered with Independent Living Canada, People First Canada, Inclusion Canada, Eviance, the Canadian Association of the Deaf, and the Canadian Council on Rehabilitation and Work to produce Shaping Caada’s Disability Inclusion Action Plan (DIAP), a report that will inform the federal government’s national Disability Inclusion Action Plan.
  • 491 individuals affected by neuromuscular disorders registered with MDC, an increase of 17% over the previous year. To accommodate this growth and provide support, we increased the funds directed towards Mission activities by 11%.
  • We diversified our fundraising by meeting new donors and better understanding their interests, and ensured all donors were being stewarded in ways that were meaningful for them. As a result, MDC increased its total fundraising by $2.6 million over the previous year for a total of $10.7M in revenue.

All of this was possible, because of people like you! Thank you for your commitment to MDC’s mission. We’re breaking down barriers for the neuromuscular community, together, so that sometime soon a breakthrough is made that leads to cures.

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

“I’m excited to welcome Fanny Chagnon, Liz Stirling, Lise Poulin, Nicole Cote and Michael Low to the MDC Board of Directors. Their wealth of knowledge, talents and familiarity with neuromuscular disorders will be invaluable for providing strategic guidance as we continue to break down barriers for the neuromuscular community this year. I am also extremely pleased that Debra Chiabai has stepped into the Chair position,” said Stacey Lintern, CEO, Muscular Dystrophy Canada.

New Board Chair Debra Chiabai added, “It has been a great pleasure to be a member of the Board as a Director for the last 13 years, and I am looking forward to stepping into a new role to help guide MDC through the next few years.”

Check out the entire report

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.

Abilities (at the) Centre of new location for Walk and Roll for Muscular Dystrophy Canada

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE June 16, 2023

Toronto, Ontario – The 2023 Walk and Roll for Muscular Dystrophy Canada (MDC) has changed venues from a local park to the Abilities Centre in Whitby in an effort to ensure the event is as accessible as possible for all participants. It takes place on June 25, 2023.

“MDC is committed to breaking down barriers for the neuromuscular community. When we determined that the park location originally selected to host the Durham Walk and Roll for Muscular Dystrophy Canada posed accessibility issues for individuals using mobility devices, we set out to find a new site,” said Stacey Lintern, CEO, Muscular Dystrophy Canada. “We couldn’t be happier to be partnering with the Abilities Centre. It is the perfect space for the Walk and Roll event, and our community.”

Walk and Roll for Muscular Dystrophy Canada is MDC’s signature fundraising event, raising funds to provide Canadians affected by neuromuscular disorders support programs and services, invest in ground-breaking research and advocate for better public policies. Thirty-three events are taking place across Canada with an overall goal of raising $1.3 million.

The Abilities Centre strives to make communities more accessible and inclusive to increase the quality of life for every individual and enable them to participate fully in community life. They offer a wide range of programs and services, and lead research and advocacy on inclusion issues.

“Events like the Durham Walk and Roll for Muscular Dystrophy Canada are so important to bring attention to, and raise funds for, the organizations that are working tirelessly to make the communities where we live, work, and play more accessible and inclusive,” said Ross Ste-Croix, General Manager & COO of Abilities Centre.

Previously known as the Walk for Muscular Dystrophy, the nationwide fundraising event also underwent a name change this year to be more inclusive and reflective of the neuromuscular community. Anyone interested in participating in the Durham Walk and Roll for Muscular Dystrophy Canada can register at walkrollmdc.ca

The Durham Walk and Roll for MDC fundraising goal for 2023 is $53,000. Support your community by making a donation here.

-30-

ABOUT MUSCULAR DYSTROPHY CANADA

Muscular Dystrophy Canada’s mission is to enhance the lives of those affected with neuromuscular disorders by continually working to provide ongoing support and resources while relentlessly searching for a cure through well-funded research. To learn more about Muscular Dystrophy Canada, please explore our website or call our toll-free number at 1-800-567-2873.

ABOUT ABILITIES CENTRE

Abilities Centre exists to unlock potential through accessibility. Whether through vocational services, therapeutic recreation, adult day programs, or sport and recreation, every program and service at Abilities Centre is aimed at re-imaging how Canadians live, work and play. We continue to focus our impact to build towards an inclusive, barrier-free life for all Canadians. For more information abilitiescentre.org

FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT:

Heather Rice
Heather.Rice@muscle.ca
902-440-3714

BREAKING DOWN BARRIERS FOR THE NEUROMUSCULAR COMMUNITY

Muscular Dystrophy Canada’s (MDC) strategic priorities represent a continuing evolution for our organization. They build upon the outcomes and learnings over the last three years, during which time our organization continued to meet the needs of clients through our programs and services, equipment, and system navigation; successfully encouraged governments to change public policy; and, supported translational and clinical research, in addition to, expanding Canadian neuromuscular research infrastructure.

Our investments in research have helped create exciting changes in the Canadian landscape. Whether it was working with our researchers and clinicians facilitating educational webinars, developing resources so our clients have access to credible and clear information, or through our shared work with the Neuromuscular Disease Network for Canada (NMD4C) – our clients are benefiting from early screening and diagnosing, new treatments, trials, and standards of care.

Extending into the next five years, our unwavering focus is on expanding our base of clients to ensure we assist more Canadians with neuromuscular disorders and their families. As well, we remain committed to fiscally responsible spending – ensuring funds raised go to our organization’s mission, and to increasing our fundraising activity to meet the needs of the neuromuscular community.

In addition to our commitment to reach more Canadians affected by a neuromuscular disorder over the next five years, the strategic priorities enable our commitment to ensuring we are innovative, efficient, and inclusive by providing our community the support and information they need to make informed decisions. We will expand our programs and services to engage further with remote and underserved communities, and will provide services in the languages that make up the fabric of our country.

Government policies at the federal, provincial, territorial, and local levels have a daily impact on our community. The next five years will see MDC expand our direct advocacy efforts working in partnership with our community, other like-minded organizations, industry, partners, clients, and government.
Over the next five years we will continue to work with researchers and clinicians to enhance collaborative and proactive strategies to support infrastructure development, capacity building, develop centres of excellence and the sharing of research outcomes that benefit our community.

We will respect that as a diverse community representing a wide spectrum of cultures and experiences, there are different ways of knowing, and of approaching health. We will incorporate this understanding and a respect for the whole person – mind, body, and spirit — in all that we do. We will continue to ensure that all organizational planning and decisions align with our strategic priorities, in addition to ensuring the right measurements are in place to monitor our performance.

Finally, we will not give up the search for more and better ways to work with all our stakeholders. Our clients and their families, staff, donors, supporters, partners, and volunteers are essential members of our community and we are grateful for their support every day.

We are excited about the impact MDC will have during the next five years.

Read our 2023-2028 Strategic Plan

Neuromuscular disorders do not discriminate. Nor do they take a break over the holiday season.

Canadians affected by neuromuscular disorders celebrate a variety of different holidays over the winter season, however, amongst this diversity, our community has one thing in common: Often this time of year has added pressures for those living with neuromuscular disorders and their families.

Regardless of where you live in Canada, accessibility issues are amplified in the winter months. Whether it’s the winter storm and unplowed sidewalks that keep you home or the lack of accessible transit making it impossible to celebrate the way you had hoped, those living with neuromuscular disorders can lean on their Muscular Dystrophy Canada (MDC) Service Specialist for support. Service Specialists help navigate individual questions, complex decisions, advocate for change and provide emotional support during difficult moments.

And, thanks to you «our donors» we can answer each call and make a difference together.

Today, I hope you will make a gift to ease some of the pressure of the season for the thousands of individuals and their families, who turn to MDC as a trusted resource and partner in their neuromuscular journey.

Donate Today!

Learn more “Neuromuscular disorders do not discriminate. Nor do they take a break over the holiday season.”

Celebrating the heart and soul of the Canadian neuromuscular disorder community

At Muscular Dystrophy Canada (MDC) we value the incredible community across the country who champion our mission with courage, determination, and passion. Through the Dr. David Green Awards program, we recognize and celebrate these incredible groups and individuals each year.

We are excited to announce the list of our esteemed 2022 award winners. These individuals show extraordinary commitment to raising funds, increasing awareness and advocating for the neuromuscular disorder (NMD) community, supporting continued research, engaging other community members and building positive connections.

“MDC is extremely fortunate to have such incredible individuals and groups committed to supporting our mission and the Canadian NMD community,” says Stacey Lintern, CEO, Muscular Dystrophy Canada. “Volunteers are the backbone of our organization. They fundraise, share creative ideas, give their time, contribute their experiences and help to advance advocacy efforts, research and programs and services. Thank you doesn’t even begin to cover just how appreciative we are for each and every one of this year’s recipients.”

2022 Dr. David Green Award recipients

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.

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. For Donations $20 or more you will be emailed a tax receipt.

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.

We have received complaints regarding the tone and approach of solicitation calls. We have brought these to the attention of the President of CFFCA.

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.

Muscular Dystrophy Canada joins forces internationally to impact greater change at home

October 22, 2021 – Muscular Dystrophy Canada has signed a Statement of Intent with Muscular Dystrophy UK, Muscular Dystrophy Australia and Muscular Dystrophy Foundation of South Africa to help break down barriers for individuals living with neuromuscular disorders, worldwide.

“Our organizations share similar missions and values, and face similar challenges and hurdles. By coming together, we hope to share insights, policies and training to have a greater impact on the neuromuscular communities we support,” said Stacey Lintern, CEO, Muscular Dystrophy Canada.

The organizations recognize the need to work more actively on equality, diversity, inclusion and accessibility issues, and hope that more organizations will join them in the future.

“By working together on these issues, and sharing learnings with our partners, MDC will be able to more effectively and efficiently create sustainable change here in Canada, and play a role internationally,” added Lintern. “It has been an incredible experience working with these organizations thus far, and I have no doubt that our combined expertise and knowledge will result in positive changes for neuromuscular communities in the near future.”

 

ABOUT MUSCULAR DYSTROPHY CANADA

Muscular Dystrophy Canada’s mission is to enhance the lives of those affected with neuromuscular disorders by continually working to provide ongoing support and resources while relentlessly searching for a cure through well-funded research. To learn more about Muscular Dystrophy Canada, please explore our website or call our toll-free number at 1-800-567-2873.

FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT:

Heather Rice
heather.rice@muscle.ca
902-440-3714

Join our Board of Directors

Muscular Dystrophy Canada is looking for volunteers to join our board of directors. If you have finance, risk management, human resources, marketing, not-for-profit management, or legal experience it would be an asset. Additionally, we are looking for people with lived experiences with neuromuscular disorders from different backgrounds from across Canada.

Muscular Dystrophy Canada’s mission is to enhance the lives of those impacted with neuromuscular disorders by continually working to provide ongoing support and resources while relentlessly searching for a cure through well-funded research.

Time Commitment:

  • Each Director is elected to fill a two-year term
  • Each Director is expected to regularly attend four to six board meetings per year, with the opportunity to join a sub-committee (Governance and Mandate Committee or Finance, Audit and Risk Management Committee)
  • Meetings are scheduled from 7:00pm to 9:00pm Eastern Time with approximately two hours of preparation required prior to the meeting

Expectations/Responsibilities

  • Directors will work to enhance Muscular Dystrophy Canada’s standing by actively promoting our mission and accomplishments to members of the public.
  • Directors will support fundraising activities at MDC wherever possible including; through their own personally meaningful contributions, reaching out to personal contacts for partnerships and/or donations and participation in the stewardship of donors.
  • Directors may be asked to serve in an executive role (Chair, Vice-Chair, Treasurer or Secretary,) or join a subcommittee of the board as needed (Governance and Mandate Committee or Finance, Audit and Risk Management Committee).
  • Directors in consultation with our executive leadership team, are expected to participate in annual planning to ensure financial and operational goals of the organization are set.
  • Directors are to provide proper financial oversight by reviewing financial statements and key performance indicators (KPIs), as well as ensuring proper financial controls are in place.
  • Directors are expected to use due diligence and promptness in reviewing and approving financial and legal documents, as well as board meeting documents and responding to emails and inquiries.
  • Directors are expected to act with the highest degree of integrity and ethical behaviours.

Muscular Dystrophy Canada is committed to diversity, equity and inclusion, especially for persons with disabilities. We support equal opportunity and advancement in accordance with competence for all employees and volunteers.

If you are interested in being considered for our board of directors, please contact Benjamin Dixon at benjamin.dixon@muscle.ca.