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Drumheller MS Society welcomes new Walk Coordinator

    The Drumheller and Area Chapter Multiple Sclerosis Society held its appreciation night on Thursday, November 17, at Whifs Flap Jack House. Attendees were treated to a dinner generously provided by Whifs.
    The night was also an occasion to welcome the new MS Walk coordinator Dianne Snyder.
    Dave Watson, who had previously coordinated the MS Walk, stepped down after years of dedication to help raise funds for MS research.
    The Enerflex MS Walk is the main fundraiser for the MS Society and it accounts for nearly all of the money raised.
    A portion of the money raised goes to research, but the majority stays in Drumheller to provide assistance to those with MS. There are roughly 75 people in the valley with the disease.
    Multiple Sclerosis is a neurological disease where the body’s own immune system attacks the insulating sheaths around nerve cells. A wide range of physical and cognitive symptoms can accompany the disease. So far, the cause is unknown.
    Alberta has the highest incidence of MS in the world.
    The next Enerflex MS Walk will be held on May 6, 2012. Donations or sponsoring teams can be done through www.mswalks.ca.
    “The research keeps getting closer and closer to finding a cure,” said Deb Wynia, a member of the MS Society.


Badlands Search and Rescue needs volunteers to save lives

    Badlands Search and Rescue will be looking for volunteers during an information session to be held at the Rockyford Community Centre on Saturday, November 26, at 10 a.m.
    So far there have been roughly 15 people who have expressed interest in volunteering for Badlands Search and Rescue. More are needed.
    “If we get a lot more, it would be fantastic,” said Scott Campbell, head of Badlands Search and Rescue. “We rely heavily on a large number of people to find lost persons quickly.”
    Badlands Search and Rescue is not available for call at this time, as it has yet to be certified, a process that could take a year. Neighbouring search and rescue organizations continue to watch over the badlands area.
    The push is on to have volunteers trained and ready for when Badlands Search and Rescue is certified.
    Training involves learning the basics of search and rescue, such as navigation, ropes, survival camping, lost person behaviour, scenarios, and more.
    Volunteers will also be trained in first aid and CPR, and the instinct command system level 100.
    There will also be opportunities to do practical training. Volunteers will be sent along to work with neighbouring search and rescue organizations during their operations.
    Persons desiring to become involved with the lifesaving enterprise are encouraged to attend the information meeting. For further information contact Scott Campbell at badlandsar@gmail.com.

Successful season for Morgan Jayne Project

    The Morgan Jayne Project has had an exciting winter with a string of successes.
    Recently, its campaign to fill the Christmas wish list was met head on by residents who polished off the list. They were able to send nearly two and a half tons of packages to the make a brighter Christmas and a brighter future for some of the poorest of the poor in the western hemisphere.
    The gifts have arrived on the island in time for its annual Christmas party.
    While it was a monumental task, the support for the project and its main focus of supplying infant formula to help stop the transmission of HIV and aids from mother to child is also strong.
    In October volunteers spearheaded a grass roots campaign to make sure no penny was lonely. It caught fire and there were donation boxes at businesses all over the valley collecting loose change. In all, the campaign raised $540.
    Last weekend a brave contingent of volunteers had the opportunity to host a barbecue and collect the proceeds. The event raised $175, despite temperatures dropping to -22 degrees Celsius.


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