Lori Timmins, her daughter Shea and the parents and students at Elmwood School were once again very busy organizing Epilepsy awareness and fundraising events during March/April. With their tremendous commitment and creative approach this popular event has once again succeeded in raising both epilepsy awareness and essential funds to allow us to continue our support work in the community.

 

On March 31^st Shea Timmins and Rachel McGinn did a super job of presenting a power point to the school about Epilepsy and basic Fist Aid.  Kaleigh Timmins (Shea's sister assisted in creating the power point).  The students held a captive audience for the Grade Seven students and were also informed about the following week's "fun" events to further raise awareness and funds. Kris McGinn (Rachel's Mom) was a huge help as well.

 

On March 29^th, 30^th and 31^st they hosted a purple accessory table along with a display booth where Elmwood students could purchase purple accessories and pre-order their Beaver Tails for April 1st.  Many moms, and students assisted with this as they sold almost all their purple supplies, and also many Beaver Tails.  One student even brought in cupcakes with purple frosting to sell that week.  

 

On April 1^st Elmwood allowed the students to pay $2.00 to Epilepsy and be out of uniform as long as they wore purple.  Also on this date they held their big Beaver Tail Day. Pam Hooker of Beaver Tails Inc graciously offered to donate Beaver Tails, hot chocolate, marshmallows, napkins, cups, etc. for their cause.  Thirteen energetic Moms showed up to make and sell Beaver tails on sit.  As Lori reported… “We learned some Beaver Tail basics and everyone had a wonderful time.  We also doubled our sales that day!!! I think Pam's booth really helped!  Elmwood was very kind to let us use their space and offer their support”.

 

The following week they decided to do a smaller bake sale in Elmwood's junior school and sell some more purple accessories.  It was a great success as well.  Many generous Moms baked awesome and creative cupcakes with many variations of purple and the little ones just loved them.

 

The Moms who assisted were Lori Timmins,  Kris McGinn, Karen Zerr, Kelly Brandys, Mary Doherty, Alex Murray, Sherry Lima, Claire Nippard, Barbara Berks, Cindy Cooper, Paula Yau, Sheryl Green and Carolina Gallardo, Pam Hooker and Michelle Begin. The students were Shea Timmins, Rachel McGin, Jordan Leighton, Alex Parizeau, Victoria Murray, and Olivia Doherty.

 

Youth awareness of epilepsy is a strong priority for EOC and reducing stigma for children and young people living with seizure conditions is vital to their well being and future success. Increasing the comfort level of students in knowing how to deal with seizures is also key. This kind of education lasts a lifetime and filters down to the greater community via the students and their families.

 

EOC is very impressed by the hard work and commitment from Lori and her family and also the parents, students and staff who all took part at Elmwood. Their school community is to be commended – they put in a tremendous effort and hosted a great fundraiser on behalf of EOC. We would also like to thank Pam Hooker of Beaver Tails Inc. for her very generous support with this event.

 

The funds raised through the school will allow us to maintain our current services and to develop new programming during 2010 to promote public awareness of epilepsy, reduce stigma, and support our “Seizure Smart” educational presentations.

 

Congratulations to all on your very successful 2010 campaign! 

On March 28^th, 2010 Epilepsy Ottawa-Carleton hosted its fifth annual Scissors for Seizures event! This is our main community fundraiser where participating salons donate the proceeds of all haircuts to Epilepsy Ottawa-Carleton.  
 

 
Super Bowl Sunday

Jack Astors in Kanata organized a fun Super Bowl Sunday event, which raised funds for Epilepsy Ottawa-Carleton. Board members and volunteers reported that the event was a lot of fun - they raved about the great food, service, and accommodation made available to them. Events like this are important to supporting the work of our charitable organization and they also help us to raise awareness of epilepsy issues in the Ottawa area.  A big thank you to Jack Astors for helping our organization to provide information, referral, peer support and social opportunities for those living with epilepsy in the Ottawa-Carleton region!

 

Dr. Kandis Lock – Naturopathic Medicine & Sara McConnell – Anxiety Disorders Association of Ontario

On February 1, 2010 we had a great turnout for the first Public Information Meeting of the year!  With 35 attendees, and two very interesting guest speakers it was a fun way to kick off our 2010 programming!   Though we had an extremely small room to start off with, everyone pitched in to move kit and caboodle down the hall to another room. Thanks to all! Here is a re-cap of what was learned.

Sara McConnell spoke first. Sara is Canadian Certified Counsellor who has been with the Anxiety Disorders Association of Ontario (ADAO) for 3 years. Her professional background includes crisis intervention, counselling youth; and working with individuals and families in the area of grief and trauma.  She discussed the continuum of anxiety and how it affects the mind, body and spirit. Sara also described ADAO’s 14 week Anxiety Workshop (next one begins March 15) and the activities and exercises taught to lessen the affects of anxiety. These include among other things, deep breathing techniques, night time rituals to ensure sleep, proper eating habits, stepped approaches to dealing with fears and phobias as well as Cognitive Behaviour techniques.

Dr. Kandis Lock ND has 2 naturopathic practices: one on Preston Street and the other in Nepean. She has a general family practice and sees patients of all ages. Dr. Lock discussed the various approaches of Naturopathic Medicine. She discussed Chinese medicine and explained the significance of the state of the tongue! – as a sign of the health of the heart in this type of medicine. Dr. Lock explained what happens on the first visit to a Naturopathic doctor: discussing all symptoms you may face, your family history, etc. She also taught us the importance of eating properly – from whole grains, fruits and veggies, B-vitamins, healthy oils and the importance of a high protein breakfast! 

Thanks to our two speakers and to all our EOC participants for joining us at the Bronson Centre.

The Barrhaven Wal-Mart staff raised $478.00 for Epilepsy Ottawa-Carleton! The money was raised through various events such as a barbecue and a pancake breakfast. Barrie Hammond, EOC's Treasurer, was present to receive the cheque.