Prairie to Peak
November 2023
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Entering the 2023 Season of Giving | |
We are thrilled to announce that #GivingTuesday2023 is well underway!
#GivingTuesday is a day when many charitable organizations like us at the ALS Society of Alberta, encourage their communities to kick off the holiday season with an act of giving.
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In just under two weeks, we have received $21,891.86 in donations from generous individuals from the ALS Alberta Community.
Thank you!
Help us reach our goal of raising $50,000 to support our Equipment Loan Program.
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We are grateful to welcome another Calgary Flame - #19, Nazem Kadri to our community of generous donors!
Nazem, and his wife Ashley Kadri, founders of the Nazem Kadri Foundation, our first Giving Tuesday donors, generously gifted $10,000 to honor the memory of Chris Snow.
What a way to kick-off the Season of Giving!
Thank you!
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As you may know, a very generous donor pledged to match the next $10,000 of donations made, dollar-for-dollar.
We are thrilled to share that James H. Brown has doubled down on his pledge and is up for ROUND TWO - matching up to $20,000 of giving!
So, we encourage you to give what you can this #GivingTuesday as the impact of your gift, no matter how small, will make double the difference.
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Just $5 a month can purchase two sets of adaptive cutlery for a person living with ALS.
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Adaptive cutlery has larger handles and built-up grips, which provide greater stability and reduce the risk of dropping or spilling while eating.
- Adaptive cutlery comes with specialized grips, such as foam or rubber handles, which make it easier to hold and control cutlery, reducing the strain on weak arm and hand muscles.
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By providing the necessary support, adaptive cutlery enables individuals with ALS to maintain independence and perform self-feeding tasks with greater ease.
This also means that people living with ALS can spend more time making memories and enjoying meals this holiday season with family, friends, and loved ones.
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Community Events & Education | |
On November 16, 2023, the ALS Canadian Alliance hosted a virtual educational forum for ALS patients and caregivers, with guest speakers:
Dr. Sultan Darvesh, Dr. Elizabeth Bannerman, Dr. Wendy Johnston, and Katie Henley.
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Attendees learned about critical topics such as Frontotemporal Dementia, the Canadian Neuromuscular Disease Registry, Strategies for Coping, Self-Care, Medical Assistance in Dying (MAID), and more.
If you were unable to attend the ALS Canadian Alliance Patient Caregiver virtual Information Forum last month, we are happy to share that it is viewable on our website.
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What is the ALS Canadian Alliance?
The ALS Canadian Alliance collectively strives to enhance the quality of life for all people living with and affected by ALS and support research to find the cause and cure by:
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- Building partnerships;
- Working collaboratively;
- Uniting to connect Canadians living with ALS;
- Advocating for people living with ALS;
- And building capacity.
The founding Members of the ALS Canadian Alliance are the ALS Society of British Columbia; the ALS Society of Alberta; the ALS Society of Saskatchewan; the ALS Society of Manitoba; the ALS Society of PEI, and the ALS Society of New Brunswick and Nova Scotia.
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Each year, we are humbled and inspired by the outstanding engagement and philanthropic nature of our #ALSAlberta community.
Time after time, YOU show up, YOU support one another, and YOU raise much-needed awareness and funds for our cause.
Thank you, #AlbertaALScommunity for all that you do.
We cannot wait to kick off the 2024 Walk season!
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PS: We are excited to announce that two 2024 Walk Together for ALS dates are confirmed:
Edmonton (June 8)
Drayton Valley (June 1)
Please keep an eye out for more details pertaining to 2024 Walks, Betty’s Run, and other fundraisers over the winter months!
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Please take a moment to watch these short/reel that contain
highlights from each 2023 Walk and Run.
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2024 EDMONTON CASINO - VOLUNTEERS NEEDED! | |
Did you know? Casino events historically bring in over $75,000 to the Society, but we cannot do this without your help!
We are still looking for volunteers for the Edmonton Casino.
Join us on January 19 & 20 at Century Casino!
Please click here to access the sign-up sheet where you can view available shifts.
As always, volunteers will receive a complimentary meal along with snacks and refreshments during their shifts.
Volunteers must be 18 years of age on the day of their shift. Consumption of alcohol and/or non-medicinal cannabis within 24 hours of shift, is not allowed.
Please contact Emily Penley Christmas with any questions.
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6 Ways to Support the ALS Society of Alberta this Season | |
One-of-a-kind and game-worn by long-time supporter of the ALS Society of Alberta, Mikael Backlund, these custom #HeritageClassic skates are up for auction, with all proceeds benefitting the Society!
Bidding closes on November 28 - don't miss your chance!
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2. Holiday Lights for Larry | |
Organized, conceptualized, and installed each year by Don D. of Edmonton, Alberta, this breathtaking display of twinkling lights honors the memory of Don's late brother, Larry, who lived with ALS. Don works hard each year setting up to ensure the display brings light, love, and joy to all visitors! This year, Holiday Lights for Larry includes over 135,000 bulbs!!
Opening Light-up is November 24, 2023, at 6:00 p.m.!
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We're thrilled to present a fun, unique, and heartfelt initiative that embodies the spirit of community and compassion.
Introducing Rally with Rick, an initiative that invites Albertans to join hands with Rick, a generous donor with a powerful mission. Not only does Rick want to raise funds for the ALS Society of Alberta, but he also wants to raise spirits and “have some fun with this, because I LOVE a fun challenge”
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Rick's Story:
Meet Rick, a compassionate individual who, in honor of his late wife Karen and father-in-law Glen, (who both lived with ALS).
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Rick seeks to make a lasting impact in the fight against this devastating disease. He has pledged a generous $5,000 donation to the ALS Society of Alberta, and he's inviting others to stand beside him, echoing his commitment.
The Challenge:
But here's the twist—Rick wants to have some fun with this, and so, his $5,000 contribution will only materialize if another (family, friend group, business, etc.) steps forward to donate an equivalent amount in memory of their own loved one(s).
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Rally with Rick is more than a fundraiser; it's a call to unite and grow the ALS community in ALberta in shared purpose, it is a celebration of cherished memories, and a demonstration of the strength that comes from collective action. | |
The auction for Sylvia T.'s cross-stitch fundraiser is NOW OPEN and accepting bids.
Don't miss your chance to own or gift this one-of-a-kind piece of embroidered artwork.
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5. Quonset Days 2024
2024 Line-up Announcement!
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The Quonset Days Board is hosting a winter event to keep raising funds for The ALS Society of Alberta.
The adults-only evening starts off with cocktails, followed by appetizers and a three-course plated beef dinner with a live auction and 50/50 to follow. Enjoy entertainment over supper and dance the night away with a local band.
Purchase a half or full table for this evening of fine dining and entertainment, all in support of the ALS Society of Alberta.
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6. Expedia Cruises in Chestermere
Expedia Cruises in Chestermere generously donated $6,500 to the Society thanks to bookings for the Ultimate Ice Bucket Cruise for a Cause sailing in Alaska.
Many thanks to all those who booked, and to Karin and Kelly of #ExpediaCruisesinChestermere for their initiative and generosity.
Interested in supporting the Society by Cruising for a Cause this year? A portion of each booking made for the upcoming Mayan Riviera Cruise for a Cause sailing (November 24-28, 2024) will be donated to the Society.
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Community Giving
We are continuously impressed with the initiatives of our community. Your dedication and creativity in finding new ways to support our cause are inspiring!
Interested in organizing a fundraiser or event of your own?
Contact Emily Penley Christmas.
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