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AUTUMN 2023 InTouch | 13 “I am so happy to now have a safe and secure concrete path out to my garden”, says Lois. THE LITTLE THINGS THAT MAKE A BIG DIFFERENCE the occupant safe with good postural stability while they are out of their wheelchair) so he could be safe and comfortable. The chair is important to Stacey, Liam and their family for Liam’s ongoing health, wellbeing, and social connection. “We now have Liam sitting comfortably in his new chair. The base with wheels makes it easier to get him from room to room without hassle. He is extremely comfortable sitting in this, and it provides a secure spot for him when out of his wheelchair”Thank you again for the funding and all your ongoing support”. Not only have MDANZ helped members Lois, Dennis and Liam, but it has also helped many others with their ‘small thing’. From new wheelchair comfort cushions to warm boots in winter, accessible ramps to mobility taxi vouchers, the Bradley Jenkin Memorial fund ensures we can continue to help our members, when other forms of funding wont. a new concrete path from her front door out to her garden so she could enjoy spending time in her garden. “I am so happy to now have a safe and secure concrete path out to my garden”, says Lois. For South Island member Dennis Ready, social engagement and the chance to leave his home, was the reason he applied to the Bradley Jenkin Memorial Fund for help. “Unfortunately, I did not qualify for any funding to attend my local Nelson community centre events, so I applied to MDANZ to help with costs.” Dennis can now attend his local community centre for day stays where he enjoys socialising with others in his community and gets to join them for a hot meal – something small he cannot afford or make himself. Stacey Reading and her son Liam, from the Central Region, applied for funding towards accessories for Liam’s Snooza chair (a chair with planar angles that uses gravity to keep The purpose of the Bradley Jenkin Memorial fund is to provide discretionary grants for individuals with a neuromuscular condition to access opportunities and specialised resources that enable them to achieve freedom and a better quality of life. For more information on the fund visit https://mda.org.nz/ What-We-Offer/Bradley-Jenkin-Memorial-Fund 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.