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FEBRUARY 2022 InTouch | 1 Leading our support through the challenging times during the pandemic. Well I’m sure, if you’re feeling like me, that the relaxation of the summer break and the easing of alert levels feels well behind you all now as we head into another year of hard work, big challenges, and exciting opportunities. As we enter, yet another year controlled by the COVID-19 pandemic, it’s important to ensure that you, our members, and everyone in your whānau, remain vigilant. The Government is encouraging everyone aged 18 and over who have been fully vaccinated for at least 4 months to get a free booster now. Speeding up the booster rollout is one of several ways the Government is protecting Aotearoa from the Omicron variant of COVID-19. While a 2-dose course provides some protection against severe disease from the Omicron variant, a booster is likely to offer greater protection by reducing the chance of more serious infection and the risk of transmitting it to others. The importance of this campaign, for our individual and collective safety, cannot be underestimated. The team and I are working hard to ensure we remain informed and educated on the Government guidelines and remain committed to supporting you, our members, with these changes. Whilst we may still be in a pandemic, our vision to support both individuals with neuromuscular conditions, their whānau and their communities of support, remains steadfast. Please remember that we are here to support you. Kei konei matou ki te tautoko i a koe. Kōrero with Trevor FROM THE DESK Trevor Jenkin National Executive Chairperson Your good will benefits families Any bequest, no matter what size, will directly help those living with muscle wasting neuromuscular conditions, and enable us to continue our work within your community. To speak to us about leaving a gift in your will, please email info@mda.org.nz We have been helping Kiwi families for more than 60 years and by making a bequest, you are ensuring the sustainability of our organisation so that we can continue to be there for generations to come.