February 09, 2009 Michael AugustineLisez en Francais
I LOVE going out for dinner with friends!
Few things in life are more pleasurable than meeting with the people who are important to you, and then spending an hour or two, breaking bread with them over pleasant conversation, in an atmosphere of deep and mutual respect. It is, I feel, an experience enjoyed the world over by friends and family, who take the time to enjoy each other’s companionship, and to trade stories and share memories.
The Multiple Sclerosis Global Dinner Party (GDP) first began in 2003, as an initiative by the Multiple Sclerosis International Federation (MSIF), as a means of joining MS Societies around the world in a global MS day. Today, it serves as a way to celebrate these types of gatherings, while enabling those who participate to raise funds to help find a cause and eventual cure for multiple sclerosis. Of the funds generated through the MS GDP, 50% go towards MSIF’s global work, and the remaining 50% go toward the MS Society of Canada’s mission, to be a leader in finding a cure for multiple sclerosis, and to enable people affected by MS to enhance their quality of life.
Back then, this new concept was both something of a mystery, and also a bit of a novelty. While I was only just a recent addition to the board of directors of the Mississauga, Ontario chapter, we had decided to mark the inaugural event by hosting a classic English pub night, partly inspired by one of our chapter staff members, who is originally from “Jolly Ole England.” We enjoyed classic fare such as steak and kidney pie, as well as biscuits with clotted cream and jam, and, of course, we had beer sampling courtesy of a local brewery. When the evening was over, everyone left with full hearts and bellies, and the warm glow inside of having enjoyed the evening with friends, all while knowing we had raised significant funds to help further our goal of being able to end MS!
A good evening was had, indeed!
This movement continues to grow every year, with 35 hosts across Canada having participated in 2008. Last year, the themes of these gatherings were as diverse as the areas in which they were held. One event even celebrated the night with a Bob Fosse inspired motif, including top hat party favors and a Broadway dance routine lesson. In 2008, 11 countries participated in the Global Dinner Party initiative - Australia, Canada, Estonia, Germany, India, Namibia, Netherlands, Poland, Spain, Switzerland, and the USA – of which Canada remained one of the top fundraising nations. We continue to lead the pack, with Canada raising more resources per person - to find a cause and inevitable cure for MS - than any other country in the world!
2009 promises to be the best year yet, with several themes already currently in the works, from comedy and bowling nights, to wine and cheese tasting events. Join us on February 28th – or any date around that time that might work better for you. To register or get more information visit msglobaldinnerparty.ca.
So - eat, drink, be merry... and at the same time help us end MS!
Irreverently Yours,
Aug, who has a BIG appetite for fundraising!
Technorati tags: endMS, Multiple Sclerosis Society of Canada, MS Global Dinner Party