DOCUMENT

September and October were busy months at MDA with yet another successful Annual Appeal, Roll 1k for MDA, under our belts. Together with members, staff, whanau, and communities, we raised more than $24,000 (and counting!!). This was a HUGE effort from everyone involved and I want to thank our sponsors One Technology, Spark, and Rothbury Insurance for backing our campaign. We have lots of Roll 1k coverage in this issue to share with you. I attended various Roll 1k events throughout Auckland and Waikato 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’ Roll 1k 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. So, it’s FROM THE DESK Trevor Jenkin National Executive Chairperson Rolling into another annual appeal. Kōrero with Trevor great to see the coffee groups back up and running again in our Northern region thanks to Fieldworker Rachel Woodworth (check out page 3 for information on the ‘Hump Day’ gatherings!). As we reach the end of 2023, I want to thank our hard- working team of staff, National Councillors, 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 in such trying times. On behalf of the National Council 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. 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. 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.