In celebration of Parkinson Awareness Month, Parkinson Canada is offering a variety of learning opportunities and unique fundraising and awareness activities online and in communities across the country. Many activities are planned for April, while others take place throughout the year. Mark your calendar and register now for the events you’d like to attend, as spaces may be limited. For a complete schedule of what’s happening in your community, visit the interactive map on our website for local event listings.
The following are just a sampling of the many events planned across the country. Take note that many require advance registration and spaces can fill up quickly.
World Parkinson’s Day – Celebrating 200 years. Join us online for a cross-Canada podcast with Sandie Jones, Information and Referral Associate, Parkinson Canada. April 11, noon to 1 p.m. EDT. Connect free of charge via phone or computer. For more details, visit our online Knowledge Network here.
Mind over Matter. Education and awareness conference. Sat, April 1, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. The Westin Nova Scotian, 1181 Hollis St, Halifax, N.S. To register online, please click here. Early bird pricing is available for the first 100 people to register. For more information about the conference, please contact Ryan Underhill at ryan.underhill@parkinson.ca or call 1-800-663-2468.
Parkinson‘s Medication and You (Vous et la Médication pour le Parkinson’s). Bilingual symposium for the public. Wednesday, April 26, from 11:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., Gelber Conference Centre, 5151 Ch. de la Côte-Sainte-Catherine, Montréal, QC. Featuring keynote speaker Dr. Tejal Patel, BSc Pharm, Pharm D. Physiotherapist Paola Campana will also present on exercise and Parkinson’s. For more details and to register, click here.
Hope in Bloom. In centres large and small across Ontario, volunteers will be selling tulips, a traditional sign of spring and the international floral symbol of hope for people living with Parkinson’s. Pots of tulips and bouquets of cut stems will be sold for $10 each in public venues. And, for the first time, tulips will be sold in the Ottawa area on April 20th at Minto Place. Tulips are also being sold in Saskatchewan. For more details, visit the Saskatchewan online event calendar for April.
Comedy Night for Parkinson’s. Parkinson Canada proudly partners with Yuk Yuk’s for a laugh- out-loud fundraising event, April 8, beginning at 6:30 p.m. at Centrepointe Theatres, 101 Centrepointe Dr., Nepean, ON. Featuring: Don Kelly, Michelle Shaughnessy, and headliner Scott Faulconbridge. Pre-show social and silent auction starts at 6:30 p.m. in the Atrium. Comics hit the stage at 8:00 p.m. Click here to purchase $40 tickets.
Parkinson’s disease and depression, a public presentation and discussion. April 26, 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Toronto Botanical Gardens, 777 Lawrence Ave. E., Toronto, ON. Featuring special guest Mr. Andy Barrie, Dr. Mateusz Zurowski and social worker Janice Stober. Advance registration is required for this event. Contact Naseem Jamal at Naseem.jamal@parkinson.ca or call 416-227-3377.
Let’s Talk Parkinson’s. Conference in Winnipeg, MB. Saturday, April 8, 10:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at Viscount Gort Hotel and Conference Centre, 1670 Portage Avenue, Winnipeg, MB. Featuring keynote speaker Dr. Douglas Hobson, along with fitness trainer Bonnie Hopps on Tai Chi and Gizmos & Gadgets, a question and answer panel session and Jeannine Carmen on Laughter Yoga. Early bird rate is available until March 17. Registration deadline is March 31. For more details and to register, click here.
What You Need to Know About Living with Parkinson’s. Forum in Brandon, MB. Saturday, April 29, 1:30 p.m. to 4:00 p.m., Royal Oak Inn & Suites/Clarion, 3130 Victoria Avenue, Brandon, MB. Featuring keynote speaker Dr. Douglas Hobson and Kelly Williams, RNBN GNC(c), both from the Movement Disorder Clinic at Deer Lodge Centre in Winnipeg. Tickets are $15 per person and the registration deadline is April 24. For more information and to register, click here.
Knocking out Parkinson’s: How to add boxing as an exercise. Friday, April 28, 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. Hotel Ramada Plaza Regina, 1818 Victoria Avenue, Regina, SK. Tickets are $25 per person. Registration deadline is April 20. For more information and to register, contact michelle.carlson@parkinson.ca or call 306-933-4481.
Living Well Education Conference. Saturday, April 29, 9:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., Hotel Ramada Plaza Regina, 1818 Victoria Avenue, Regina, SK. Tickets are $65 per person and include lunch. Registration deadline is April 20. For more information and to register, contact michelle.carlson@parkinson.ca or call 306-933-4481.