
Below is what is happening in our area in terms of awareness:
June is ALS Awareness Month. It is a busy time in our region with walks, media coverage and flag raisings to raise both awareness and funds to support the ALS community. Following is an update of activities happening in our region during the month of June, with a focus on raising awareness. I will provide great detailer, pictures and updates in my next newsletter (mid summer).
In Ottawa
Flag Raising and Proclamation – Mayor Jim Watson attended a flag raising ceremony at City Hall on June 2nd. At that time he also proclaimed the month of June to be ALS Awareness Month across Ottawa. The ALS flag will be flown at City Hall for the entire month of June – great awareness opportunity!
Rogers Daytime – Client and ALS spokesperson Brian Parsons spoke on Rogers Daytime on Thursday, June 5th, of the importance of raising awareness of ALS and increasing the Compassionate care Benefit Plan for a Caregivers of ALS clients.
Ottawa Citizen – ALS spokesperson Karen Lawrence was interviewed for a story in the Ottawa Citizen, today, June 6th. To read the article click on the following link: http://ottawacitizen.com/news/local-news/als-gene-tests-allow-woman-to-focus-and-get-in-the-race
Loblaws BBQ – Blair and Ogilvie store – Loblaws is hosting a BBQ tomorrow – Saturday, June 7th from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. to raise awareness and funds for the ALS community. If you are in the area, please go out to Loblaws and thank store manager Alan Lawrie for his support of the ALS community and the volunteers for taking their Saturday to help raise awareness
Gatineau Garage Sale – Sister-in-law of an ALS client in the community, Sharon B. is hosting a huge garage sale at her home to raise awareness and funds for the Ottawa Walk. The sale will be held on Saturday, June 7th at 103 Bagot, Gatineau, Ontario.
Ottawa-Gatineau Walk – The walk will be held on Saturday, June 14th at the Canadian War Museum, registration is at 10 a.m and the walk begins at 11 a.m. Thank you to Brian Parsons and his family for leading out the Ottawa Walk and Brian for the incredible work he is doing in raising awareness and advocating for the ALS community.
East of Ottawa
Cornwall Walk – the Cornwall walk will be held tomorrow, Saturday, June 7th at St. Lawrence College. A free BBQ and refreshments for all participants will follow the walk. A big thank you goes out to our Lead walker Brian Tardiff and his famiy.
West of Ottawa
Almonte Walk – the Almonte walk will be held Saturday, June 14th at the Almonte Civitan Club. A free BBQ and refreshments for all participants will follow the walk. Thank you goes out to Trevor Cranney and his family for the awareness of ALS they are raising in their community.
3rd Annual John Leal Memorial Golf Tournament – Just beyond the month of June – this golf tournament is being held on Saturday, July 5th! 18 Holes, Golf Cart, full supper all included. Major sponsor is Labatt (Bud Light) again!
*****Every Person who enters the tournament has a Chance to win the Trip to HAWAII sponsored by the Petawawa Golf Club.*****
Cost will be $80 per golfer and this will include 18 holes of golfing, golf cart rental, and a great buffet supper put on by the Petawawa Golf Club. For more information click on the following link: https://m.facebook.com/events/1451831291719331. Thank you to the Leal family for their ongoing support.
In Kingston and Gananoque
Kingston Walk – The Kingston walk was held on a beautiful sunny day and was wonderfully supported by the media, Kingston City Hall and many people from the ALS community. In Kingston we are blessed with incredible support from the radio stations across the city. FM 99.9 in Gananoque also joined in to support us this year. Our walk ambassador, client Mark Maclean did a terrific job being the face of ALS for the walk. He was well supported by client and committee member, Derek Swinnard. We are also greatly supported by many businesses across the city. This year the goal of the walk was to raise $35,000 by December 31st. We have surpassed that goal already and to date have raised just under $38,000. The Mayor Mark Gerretsen attended and spoke at the walk, the town crier announced the walk and the flag was flown at City Hall. These were all great opportunities to raise awareness in the city.
Coronation Street Ping – A fun event for all Corrie Street fans is being held on June 22nd at the Kingston Brew Pub. I have attached the poster above for those wanting more information
As you might imagine, there are many people involved who make these events happen, who work on behalf of all the ALS community. Raising awareness is of vital importance in helping people understand the financial and emotional costs associated with the disease and the need for continuing to support research into a cure. Please help these individuals by sharing this information with your friends and family members and by supporting events in your community.
If you have any questions on any of the above information, please contact me.
Have a wonderful weekend!
Lianne
Lianne Johnston
Regional Manager, Eastern Ontario (Napanee east to the Quebec border)