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Bailey’s Message
Over 2023, Parkinson Wellness Projects saw consistent growth as we strove to keep up with the demand for services while continuing to raise awareness and funds in our community. In this newsletter, we’re sharing our Annual Impact Report—so you can see a breakdown of what our community has achieved together over the last year.
We had two successful fundraising events with your support: The Greater Victoria Police Chorus and our major event, the Douglas Mile. Together, they raised a total of $30,000! In addition, you also helped us put on our very first match campaign, which resulted in an incredible $115,802!
Whether you took part by participating or donating, we’re so grateful for every single one of you.
I continue to aspire to take PWP to the next level in 2024, all while ensuring the quality of our existing programs and services never diminishes. Every day I’m learning and inspired by the hard work and dedication that our Parkinson’s community demonstrates. It truly is an honour and a privilege to be a part of such a special organization, thank you again for everything you do.
With gratitude,
Bailey Martin
Executive Director, Parkinson Wellness Projects
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Last year was filled with inspiring achievements and growth across all our programs because of donors like YOU! Thank you for your continued support and for making a profound difference in helping people cope with Parkinson’s and live the lives they love.
Milestones and Memories from 2023 at PWP
- Hired 4 new instructors and expanded our in-person classes.
- Started a class at Juan de Fuca rec centre and added another class at McTavish Academy.
- Said goodbye to Fonon and welcomed Christina as our new Fundraising and Communications Coordinator.
- Increased Dr. Franchi’s counselling hours to meet growing demand and decrease wait times.
- Psychologist Dr. Jessica Moretti led a 9-week mindful self-compassion series for care partners with Dr. Franchi.
- Completed 8 series of our Newly Diagnosed Educational Program, with another series starting in the spring.
- Enhanced our relationship with Jasmine Cload, SLP, who now provides monthly educational seminars.
- Partnered with Naomi Casiro and NeuroFit to provide her course, Fundamentals of Functional Movement and an outdoor boot camp.
- Collaborated with UBC to improve education about medication management.
We want to thank our volunteer board! Their expertise and tireless dedication are greatly appreciated. We’d also like to say a special thanks to Michael Shepherd and Lisa Macquisten, who are stepping down.
To our small but mighty staff, Delilah, Suzan, Christina, Dr. Franchi, and Ryder, all of our devoted instructors, and our exceptional volunteers—we really could not do what we do without your help. Thank you!
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Daisy’s Story
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My name is Daisy. For 32 years, my husband and I lived in the Yukon. Then in the winter of 2019, I began falling down frequently. I also acquired a tremor on my left side and had trouble swallowing. However, COVID-19 was in full swing, and it wasn’t until August 2020 that I finally saw a neurologist who, after a few tests, diagnosed me with Parkinson's.
Since the Yukon doesn’t have any specialists, I researched support groups and found the Parkinson Wellness Program online. It was the perfect fit for me, as I have always believed in the benefits of exercise. So we decided to move to Victoria!
I feel like I found my community, people who really understand how it affects your life. PWP has also given me an opportunity to see how other people manage as their Parkinson's progresses and talk about it.
Whether we are exercising or drinking coffee, there is a level of understanding and complete acceptance. It is a safe place to just be. The activities have helped me to feel stronger and confident. And just seeing others who are at different stages of their Parkinson's helps me not worry as much about the future or how it will unfold for me.
I know this disease will progress as I get older, but having PWP has helped me know that I have the support of others, and my husband will also have other caregivers to support him. We are not alone, and we can rely on each other to help when needed. For that, I am so thankful.
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First-Ever Match!
A BIG thank you to everyone who participated in our first-ever Match Campaign this past fall. With the amazing support from our community, we were able to raise a remarkable total of $115,802!
From exercise classes to workshops and information sessions to support groups, your gifts will make a significant difference for so many. These funds aren’t just helping those living with Parkinson’s but also the family members, friends and care partners who support them.
As you may know, more people are getting diagnosed with Parkinson’s earlier on, which means they’ll need help sooner and for longer.
By taking part in our Match, you’ve made sure that we’re able to continue to adapt and innovate to meet the growing demand for Parkinson’s support. Thank you again for your generosity—it means everything to us, as well as Kim and her young family!
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Why Join the Douglas Mile?
Linda Believes in Living Beyond Limits
“We lose less when we laugh more. There is a time to laugh—and it is always right now.”—Suzanne Kyra, Registered Clinical Counsellor, empowerment coach, international speaker and author
These are Linda’s words to live by. She was diagnosed with Parkinson’s in 2011 and discovered PWP in 2019. While she doesn’t live in Victoria, she participates in multiple Zoom exercise classes, accesses online education, and finds comfort in the Parkinson’s community—at no cost, thanks to you!
“The more physical activity I do, the better I feel and the more prepared I am to face the daily challenges that PD presents,” says Linda. “The hard work of class participants, the smiles on their faces, the genuine caring for each other, and the laughter we share encourages me and connects me to this wonderful community.”
When Linda heard that PWP was going to be the charity of choice for the 2023 Douglas Mile for the second year in a row, she and her son decided not only to participate but also to promote the event with the goal of increasing the amount of money raised. With the help of her family and friends, Linda was one of the top contributors to this important fundraiser!
They met their goal and helped provide funds for approximately 10 months of classes for one PWP participant!
“Parkinson’s is a condition that we share; it is not what defines us or dictates the limits of our endeavours,” Linda says. “Being a part of the PWP community has reinforced for me that we can all be courageous and that by showing up every day, we can improve our own lives and inspire others to be the best they can be.”
With help from PWP, Linda plans to give back to others and continue to do the activities she enjoys for a long time to come. But like many of us, she hopes that there will be a cure for Parkinson’s in the near future.
“As a person living well with Parkinson’s largely because of the opportunities provided by PWP, I am reminded every day how fortunate we are to have such a wide range of services. It’s so important for people to support this incredible organization and so appreciated by those of us living with Parkinson’s.”
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