In 2017, Parkinson Society British Columbia had another progressive year, involving a variety of education events, an expansion of services, newly offered resources and investments in promising research. Our provincial conference, Moving Forward, Together, which took place in June 2017, allowed us to speak with many of you one-on-one. The positive feedback that we received from this event solidified the importance of community. We are better, together.
Your support in 2017 enabled us to inspire hope, extend our reach and increase our impact through:
- Entering into a new research partnership with the Michael Smith Foundation for Health Research (MSFHR). The Foundation is funded by the province of BC and partners with public and private sector organizations to co-fund research, doubling our contributions
- Continuing to fund research through the Parkinson Canada Research Program
- Advocating for public coverage of Duodopa therapy for a limited number of people with advanced Parkinson’s disease through BC PharmaCare
- Distributing almost 400 Aware in Care kits to assist people with self-advocacy when hospitalized.
- Executing an innovative awareness campaign that built on the stories of real people with Parkinson’s disease, with transit ads in four major regions and extensive media coverage throughout BC
- Using technology to service more communities across BC, including providing webinars, video presentations, online support groups and counselling via telephone
- Presenting a provincial conference with expert speakers from across North America
- Implementing a continuing education scholarship program for exercise instructors and healthcare professionals
- Offering a Regional Conference in Kelowna with local leaders in the Parkinson’s community
- Delivering Communication and Swallow Workshops in four communities
- Bringing a Time Out for Carepartners event to Burnaby
- Assisting 50 volunteer-led support groups across BC
We are able to provide all of these services, and more, thanks to your generous support. We are grateful that you put your trust in us to continue our mission.