May 2015: President’s message

Annual general Meeting

It was very heartening to have a good turnout of our members at our AGM held in March. It is encouraging to see your interest in the Board of MS and Parkinson’s Canterbury, who represent you as members of the Society. Feel free to make contact with any of us Board members with your ideas or feedback. Welcome to the 4 new board members Marion Savill, Ingrid Robertson, Stacey Rod, and Peter Scott. We appreciate your commitment to contribute in this important volunteer role. Copies of the Annual Report are available at the office.

Strategic Planning

This is the process where we consider and decide on our long term objectives and goals for MSP Canterbury and is the next task on the agenda for the Board. We will create a vision of where we want to be in five years time. The Board and staff will have 2 planning sessions with Garth Nowland Foreman in June and July. In the next newsletter I will share with you some of our ideas and long term plans.

Annual Subs

So far 45.5% of members have paid – many thanks for responding to our February mail out. And thanks also to those who were able to make an extra donation on top of your sub – this really helps contribute to the running of our services.

World MS day – May 27

We were delighted to listen to Professor Miller, who spoke at the Transitional Cathedral. Originally from Christchurch, David Miller works internationally and his update on MS research and treatments was appreciated by all of us who came along. The Oceans of Hope video was a bonus, too.

It was a very emotional morning on the Auckland water front in early May when a group of us welcomed the Oceans of Hope 67- foot yacht with its crew of 10, of whom 6 have Multiple Sclerosis. The yacht is on a 17 month round the world trip, and was in Sydney for World MS Day 27 May. Two New Zealanders with MS, Russell Watts from Rotorua and Neil Barnett from Akaroa are part of the crew of 10 for the Darwin to Singapore leg of the trip. The Oceans of Hope yacht was founded by Dane Dr Mikkel Anthonisen who found that sailing could be a very positive and empowering experience for people with MS. A large Danish team shares crew duties and changes over at the various stop overs in different countries. Biogen Idec is the Official Partner of Oceans of Hope – Sailing Sclerosis round the world venture, a wonderful story.

Best regards