Season of Giving - Parkinson's Association of Alberta

'Tis the Season of Giving

In 2022, with your support, Parkinson Association of Alberta was able to connect with and lend support to more than 11,000 people affected by Parkinson disease and Parkinson’s Plus Syndromes. Whether those who have received a diagnosis or a family member or friend, a record number of people in Alberta and beyond found help by reaching out to our team. Thank you for continuing to invest in programs and support that matter to so many. The need continues to grow.

By investing in the programs and services offered by Parkinson Association of Alberta, you are helping to delay disease progression for those who choose active programming. You are investing in improved quality of life for both people with Parkinson’s and care partners. You are also investing in the advancement of Parkinson’s related research. Research designated donations are funding students and post-doctoral fellows who are dedicated to discovery, right here in Alberta.

As the year winds down, we think about our annual giving and the upcoming tax season. Canada has a generous tax credit system for donors to charities and the benefits can be significant. Thank you to all our past and current supporters for considering us in your charitable giving this year.

Our team is so grateful for the opportunity to walk beside wonderful humans throughout the course of their Parkinson’s journey. With your continued financial contributions, we look forward to reaching even more people affected by Parkinson’s and to working together to meet the growing need.

Your Impaact

I am living well because of the Parkinson Association. Their PD 101 class helped me better understand what my neurologist had told me when I was first diagnosed five years ago, and to have hope. They taught me that I can fight back and make my journey a better one. I joined the PAA’s circuit class, where I met a group of determined individuals who continue to inspire me to keep active. I also participate in cognition programs, Social Singing (a fun way to exercise your voice!), the Parkinson Retreat and the Young Onset Support Group. The PAA is there to support our care partners, as well (this is their journey, too) and they are there to talk with one-on-one. Where do I see myself in the next five years? Still doing the PAA’s circuit classes, still hiking in the mountains, riding horses, and taking the dog for long walks in the valley. I have Hope. I am grateful to have the support of the PAA, and I am grateful to have the support of every person who donates to the PAA during the season of giving because without you, we would not have the PAA.

The Parkinson Association of Alberta is an incredible organization. My family and I have benefitted from education regarding Parkinson’s Disease, beginning even before my diagnosis. I participate in exercise programs specifically designed for those impacted by PD, and have accessed voice and occupational therapy, and cognitive programming through PAA. I feel that the core of the Association is its numerous support groups - some offered locally, some with specialized themes offered online. The empathy, peer teaching and humour in these groups are personally invaluable. All these services are available throughout Alberta and beyond. Thanks to community support, most programming is at low or no cost to those who benefit from them. I Thank them for their support and hope you can support them as well.

Since I began attending the monthly support group at the Veiner Centre in Medicine Hat, I have felt more encouraged with my journey with PD. I can now share my struggles in a group that is both accepting and respectful. As well, the Step ‘n Stride event was a very positive experience for me, as I was able to walk with my family and friends who support me. The programs, services, and social events the Organization provides are invaluable, and I hope you can donate to help them continue with the important work they do.

A few years back we received the diagnosis that my wife Carol had Parkinson disease. This was really disheartening as we had lost my older brother Don just two years earlier after a long stretch of years fighting this dreaded disease. Don had regularly attended the PAA support group in his area, and he regarded them as a lifeline for both he and his wife during his journey. We are finding the support group, including many of the same members who knew Don, to be very welcoming and open about their experiences, fears, hopes, tricks tried, and how they try to cope. After the first meeting, Carol was with the “Parkies” and I went with the caregivers. We both find so much value in attending; the personal stories, questions, and advice shared made the meetings something we look forward to. The regular emails and phone calls from the client service coordinators really make the contact seem personal and reminds us they care. We will survive this process and our hope is that others will benefit as well. I encourage you to support this wonderful organization.

Ways to Give

We share your passion for enhancing the lives of those affected by Parkinson’s disease. Your contributions can enable us to uplift our beloved Parkinson’s community. There are various ways to support our cause, such as

Making a donation
Explore Planned-giving
Give in Memory
Become a Sponsor
Give in Celebration
Host a fundraiser
Skip-the-Depot
Donate a car
Volunteering

Our programs and services are designed to empower individuals with Parkinson’s and their caregivers to lead fulfilling lives. We’re immensely grateful for the generosity of people like you, as it drives us forward in our mission.

Benefits of Membership

As we work to bring help and hope to the growing number of Albertan’s living with or loving someone with Parkinson disease and Parkinson Plus Syndromes, we are guided by the needs of those we have the privilege of working with. By becoming a member, you can influence the direction and impact of our efforts.

A primary membership of $35/ year and optional secondary membership of $15/ year can be purchased by calling us at 1-800-561-1911

In addition to the important voting privilege that guides the direction of Parkinson Association of Alberta, the following benefits are also included.

Primary Membership ($35)

$20 discount on all PAA programs
20% off all PAA ticketed events, and early-bird purchase opportunities
20% off all PAA items in our store
Free aware-in-care kit
Pulse magazine mailed directly to your home or office four times per year
PAA program and event news and updates emailed directly to your inbox
Voting privileges at our Annual General Meeting
Personalized membership card with medical alert information

Secondary Membership ($15)

$20 discount on all PAA programs
20% off all PAA ticketed events, and early-bird purchase opportunities
20% off all PAA items in our store
Free aware-in-care kit
PAA program and event news and updates emailed directly to your inbox
Voting privileges at our Annual General Meeting
Personalized membership card with medical alert information

Call Us Toll Free at 1-800-561-1911

'Tis the Season of Giving

Your Impaact

Ways to Give

Benefits of Membership