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2 | InTouch SUMMER 2025 September to November were busy months at MDA with yet another successful Annual Appeal, Miles for Muscles, under our belts. Together with members, staff, whanau, and communities, we raised more than $8,000 (and counting!!). This was a HUGE effort from everyone involved, and I want to thank our sponsors One Technology, Raisley, and Rothbury Insurance for backing our campaign. Check out page 12 for the appeal wrap up! I have attended various branch events throughout Auckland and Waikato, recently and it was great to catch up with so many members. I get so much joy and sense of togetherness from these events, and I know the members, and their whanau, do too. That’s why the funds raised from this years’ annual appeal will go towards our essential services that help to maintain our members’mental health and overall quality of life. Whether it’s a member who is newly diagnosed or is affected by the progressive nature of their neuromuscular condition, these situations sometime raise feelings or issues that can be helpful to talk about. That’s why condition- specific support groups and coffee group gatherings are so beneficial to member welfare. As we reach the end of 2025, I want to thank our hard- working team of staff, National Board members, branch committees, and volunteers throughout New Zealand who have worked so hard this year to continue our services for you, our members. I am really proud of what we have managed to achieve this year in such trying times. On behalf of the National Board and staff, I wish you and your whānau a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. Enjoy the break and hopefully you get a chance to enjoy the warmer days summer brings. FROM THE DESK The Bradley Jenkin Memorial Fund helps MDANZ members with a neuromuscular condition receive funding for access opportunities and specialised resources that enable them to achieve freedom. The fund has helped members purchase specialised sports equipment, participate in sporting events, it has contributed towards the cost of obtaining a mobility dog, provided mobility equipment, and assisted with career development such as university and course fees. Applications close: January 31 • April 30 • July 31 • October 31 The Bradley Jenkin Memorial Fund For criteria, info and to apply, go to www.mda.org.nz > What We Offer Funds must be spent within three months. Trevor Jenkin National Executive Chairperson Wrapping up another busy year. Kōrero with Trevor MDA National Support Office will close for the Christmas holidays on Friday 19th December 2025. The office will open again on Monday 5th January 2026.