Getting Involved

Parkinson Society Ottawa is very fortunate to have committed and energetic community supporters! Every month across Eastern Ontario, Parkinson Society Ottawa members and supporters raise awareness and funds to support our programs by organizing community based third party events. Here is just of sample of some of the innovative and successful events held this spring and summer!

Emily’s 10th Birthday Party

On March 20, Emily celebrated her 10th birthday. Instead of gifts for herself, Emily asked that her friends and family make a donation to help people like her Grandma who is living with Parkinson’s. We’re very proud to say that because of Emily and her family and friends, she was able to donate $250 to the Parkinson Society Ottawa. Two weeks later, Emily, her Mom and brother came into the Parkinson Society Ottawa to bring in the money. As it turned out, an afternoon physiotherapy program was taking place. Participants thanked Emily for her amazing achievement and added something towards her fundraiser. Way to go Emily!

Margaret Caughey’s “Garden Clean-up”

On May 16, Margaret Caughey, a local avid gardener was in her yard overseeing her 1st “Garden Clean-up” fundraiser. Neighbours were invited to bring in extra plants of their own and to pick up new plants for their own gardens - and donations were cheerfully accepted to support Parkinson Society Ottawa. Despite the wet weather, the coffee was hot and the spirits were warm – and the Society received $680. Thank you, Margaret, and thank you to all who supported her.

Cool Water Art Sale

Friends and art lovers were delighted to have an opportunity to meet Hugh Malcolm, renowned Eastern Ontario artist and long time friend and supporter of Parkinson Society Ottawa at a vernisage on May 30 at Prime 360 in Ottawa. With a percentage of proceeds going to Parkinson Society Ottawa and WaterCan Canada, paintings literally walked out the door. Just over $1,000 was donated to the Society because of Hugh’s generosity and talent and the hard work of organizer and friend, Carol Bell-Smith. Thank you for including us in this terrific event, Hugh!

A Golf Tournament at Hammond Golf Club

Brenda Lavergne has developed into a SuperWalk fundraising star. Last year, Brenda organized a golf tournament that raised more than $1,000 to raise money for Parkinson Society Ottawa, and this year, her tournament was even more successful! More than $1,715 was raised on June 13 to support programs and research for people living with Parkinson’s. Thank you, Brenda – to you and your team of volunteers.

Jeff Kaluski Birthday

For 4 years now, Jeff Kaluski has celebrated his birthday with a party in June, and asked guests to make a contribution to the Parkinson Society Ottawa rather than gifts. We’re thrilled that this year his event raised $646. Thanks again Jeff - and Happy Birthday,!

Hope Blooms! for merchants of Greenbank Square Mall

If you visited Greenbank Square Mall in Ottawa’s west end in May or June, you might have noticed Parkinson Society Ottawa’s presence - our posters, donation boxes and awareness material were displayed by 18 mall merchants. At the Shoppers Drug Mart, you may have been asked to donate a “tooney for a tulip” to support Parkinson’s programs and services, and research for a cure. We are very grateful and would like to thank all of the merchants of Greenbank Square Mall who participated in this “Hope in Bloom” event, with a special thank you to Mr. Kamlesh Gandhi, Shopper Drug Mart Owner/Pharmacist for his leadership and sincere interest in helping people living with Parkinson’s in our region. We look forward to working with Greenbank Square in the future, and expect to work with other merchants in Ottawa and across Eastern in a similar way as we move forward.

Elmdale Lawn Bowling Club

Florence Barkley spearheaded a fundraiser at the Elmdale Lawn Bowling Club on July 9 to benefit people living with Parkinson’s in our area. Together with members of the Galetta Lawn Bowling Club, more than 30 bowlers took part in the event – helping to raise an astounding $950. Our thanks go to Florence for all of her hard work, and to the wonderful food that was provided and prepared by Morley Craig and Ada McEwan.