Dear Wheel-E Newsletter Recipients:

Welcome to the May 2016 issue of Wheel-E, the monthly newsletter of Spinal Cord Injury Alberta. Wheel-E includes information about news and events related to spinal cord injuries and other physical disabilities. 

SCI Alberta also publishes Spinal Columns, a magazine that includes features and regular columns about important issues that individuals with disabilities face today. Click here to read our most recent issue. If your contact information has changed or if you would like to receive Spinal Columns, please contact us at 780-424-6312, 1-888-654-5444 or [email protected] or  click here to sign up to receive your issue of Spinal Columns by email.
Canada Helps donation logo
 
To make an online donation, click here 
Provincial News
Canada's Census  
Cenus 2016

Canada's next census will be conducted in May 2016. Information obtained through the census is needed to plan services such as child care, schooling, family services, housing, public transportation and skills training for employment. For more information about the 2016 Census, visit www.census.gc.ca.

Be a Chair-Leader! 
ChairLeaders Logo
Throughout the month of May, Spinal Cord Injury Alberta will continue with our vision of a barrier free society in hosting our annual Chair-Leaders "Enabling Access" event throughout Alberta. Community leaders are encouraged to swap chairs for a day in an effort to raise awareness for issues surrounding accessibility and working towards a barrier free future for all. 
Our goal is to raise awareness and funds that will help persons with mobility disabilities in our communities to achieve independence, integration and acceptance while allowing full community participation. 

Logo for Stringam LLP provincial Chair-Leaders Sponsor

Thank you to our provincial
Chair-Leaders sponsor Stringam LLP
.



Grande Praire (Valleyview) - May 13, 2016
Lethbridge - May 24 - 27, 2016
Medicine Hat - May 24 - 27, 2016
Fort McMurray - May 16 - 20, 2016

Alberta Patients Initiative 
Alberta doctors, through the Alberta Medical Association have established albertapatients
, an online forum for Albertans to engage in an ongoing dialogue about health care in our province. Topics are suggested and directed by people who join the community. This is an opportunity for Albertans to offer input about our health care system and where it's going in the future. Community members can participate through surveys and discussion forums about important and topical health care issues. In addition to providing a platform for discussion and feedback, albertapatients.ca members also receive monthly newsletters detailing survey results and highlighting news about health care in Alberta.

United Spinal Association Webinar: Solutions for Bowel Management 
Thursday, May 5, 2016, 3:00 - 4:00 PM EDT
Learn about what changes occur for people living with spinal cord injury, how to manage a bowel routine and solutions to help you manage it rather than the bowel managing you. The Solutions for Bowel Management webinar will cover best practices, new techniques and what research is being conducting. Attendees will also receive resources to learn more.    
What's Local in Your Community
Calgary  
Calgary 2016 Peer Events
Peer event information is posted as it becomes available on the SCI Alberta website as well as on Facebook and TwitterFor more information, contact [email protected] at 403-228-7434.   

Join our Team & Sweat for SCI at the Calgary Scotiabank Marathon 
Calgary Scotiabank Marathon Image for SCI Alberta 
Catch the excitement! Only 26 days left and counting.  To find out more, contact [email protected] or 403-228-7434. 
 
 
 
 
On May 29, come out and SWEAT FOR SCI at the Scotiabank Marathon at the Calgary Stampede Grounds!. You can use your wheelchair (manual or power), scooter, handcycle, walker, walk, run, or recruit someone to participate for you. Join as an individual or enter a team. The more the better. We are at 40% of our goal. Help us to reach 100%.    
 
How to be involved....
Create Awareness: Come out and create awareness on how you would like to participate. Just register with Marilyn, come out and participate in the event. Registration fee will be posted on the website.
Fundraise: Just register with Marilyn, come out, participate in the event and raise money in support of one of the following:
Spinal Cord Injury Alberta (overall Calgary organization and the programs and services provided)   
Current participants include: Brian M., Teren C., Bergen F., Shamel E., Erik F., Mohamed C., Cheyanne E., Skarlett E., Fatima M.
SCI Alberta Peer Program (raising funds for Calgary peer events - ie. summer BBQ, Peer Christmas party, monthly peer events. Team Captain: Marilyn Erho (also participating) 
SCI Alberta Fitness Centre (raising funds for the overall operational costs of the SCI Alberta Fitness Centre).  
Team Captain: Janna Slevinsky  (also participating). Current Participants: Trevor R., Jill F.
Support: Show your support by helping the above participants reach their goal. Click on the following link Support, then click on "Find a Charity, Individual or Team to Sponsor", Then type in the "Charity or Fundraiser Name"
Recruit Others: Show your support by recruiting others to join the team.
Participate/Questions: Contact [email protected] or call 403-228-7434

Igniting the Fire - Storifying the Urban Warrior 
Free Course / 10 classes. Igniting the Fire is for indigenous learners 18+ who have experienced barriers to education. Taking place May 18 - June 17, 2016. Exploring literacy through the arts at St.Mary's University. Contact: 403-254-3133, [email protected].  
Edmonton
Edmonton 2016 Peer Events

Peer event information is posted as it becomes available on the SCI Alberta website as well as on Facebook and Twitter. For more information, contact Guy Coulombe at 587-410-2427.

Time to Tee Off!  
Ron Hodgson Chev Buick GMC Golf Classic - August 11_ 2016 
The Ron Hodgson Chevrolet Buick GMC Golf Classic is a favorite among golfers - coming up on August 11, 2016 but be sure to sign up early! Taking place once again at the lovely Glendale Golf and Country Club, 8:00 a.m. Shotgun start. Contact [email protected], 587-410-2521 or [email protected] 587-410-2566.
 

Edmonton Transit - New Securement Device Trial   
ETS Trial Securement Device
ETS is trying out a new securement device (Q'Straint Quantum) designed for use on regular, low floor buses, for customers using wheelchairs, scooters, and power chairs.
ETS will be hosting two demonstration sessions: Wednesday, May 4 and Saturday, May 7. Both sessions take place from 12:30 to 2:30 pm on the north side of City Hall, Bus Stop 1123, 103A Avenue between 99 and 100 St.
Click here for more information on this new securement system.
 
Provide comments and feedback to [email protected] or leave a message with your feedback at 780-496-3000. Your feedback will be used to help inform a decision on whether to consider installing this securement system for future bus purchases.

 
Continuing Care & Community Living - EXPO 2016
Continuing Care _ Community Living Expo 2016 
Alberta's largest independent living and mobility show. Continuing Care and Community Living EXPO 2016  promotes independent living and will bring consumers, service providers, health care professionals, specialist manufacturers and retailers together. Taking place in Edmonton on Friday May 6, 2016, 12:00 - 8:00 p.m., Northlands Expo Centre, Hall H, 7515 - 118 Avenue, NW, Edmonton, AB from 12:00 noon - 8:00 pm. For more information, contact [email protected].

Canadian Sledge Hockey Championships - Cheer Them On!  
Alberta Sledge is hosting the first ever Canadian Sledge Hockey Championship! The tournament will host teams Alberta, BC, Quebec and Ontario on the weekend of May 13-15th, 2016 at the Leduc Recreation Centre.
Games are FREE to attend OR become a volunteer and help support the growth of sledge hockey. Contact [email protected] for inquiries. 
Red Deer
Red Deer Golf Tournament

Join us on the greens in Red Deer on August 12, 2016. Once again, this popular event is being held at the River Bend Golf and Recreation area. To register, contact [email protected] or call 403-341-5060.

Tetra Representative Needed

Tetra Society of North America is looking for a part time volunteer representative to work in the Red Deer area. For more information, contact [email protected] or 403-341-5060.
Lethbridge
Chair-Leaders
Chair-Leaders event in Lethbridge taking place May 24 - 27_ 2016
Taking place in various locations throughout the province, the Lethbridge Chair-Leaders event will take place from May 24 - 27, 2016. To find out more, contact [email protected] or 403-327-7577.
Medicine Hat
Bottle Drive 
Thank you to our Southeastern Alberta community who raised $1563.25 through the REDI charity of the month bottle depot fundraiser during April!




 
Yoga Adventure in the Hat
 
Yoga Adventure starts on Tuesday, May 3! SCI Alberta, Multiple Sclerosis Society and Medicine Hat Adaptive Sport are partnering with Blue Butterfly Yoga and Pilates Centre to offer Yoga Adventures this spring from May 2 - June 13. This is a drop-in yoga program taking place each Monday from 1:15 - 2:15 p.m. and is designed for participants who may need adaptations to standard yoga positions. For more information, email Amy at [email protected] or contact [email protected] or 403-504-4001.

Chair-Leaders
Medicine Hat's Chair-Leaders taking place from May 24 - 27, 2016. Our local Chair-Leaders include: Dr. Mike Gillespie from Medicine Hat College, the Canalta Centre Directors Team and Barry Morishita, Mayor of Brooks! The challenge is on as participants are given tasks to accomplish as they go about their day. Visit our Chair-Leaders page to pledge any of our local Chair-Leaders. Contact [email protected] or 403-504-4001
Fort McMurray
Chair-Leaders
Fort McMurray Chair-Leaders event taking place May 16 - 20th
The Fort McMurray Chair-Leaders event is taking place May 16 - 20, 2016. Find out more by contacting [email protected] or 587-410-2603.
Grande Prairie
SCI Alberta Grande Prairie Peer Information Sessions/Other Activities:
For more information on any upcoming peer events, contact Mieke at 780-532-3305 or [email protected].      
Social Bowling Group  
Join us each Tuesday for Social Bowling from 2:30 to 5:30  p.m. Join us for conversation if you don't want to bowl. New seating is available for coffee groups! Taking place at Grande Prairie's Bowling Stones Ten Pin Entertainment Center, 11005 - 106 Avenue. $4.00 per game. Cribbage, pool and other games are often available as well. Volunteers welcome. Phone Mieke at 780-831-1091 or keep your eye on the Accessible GP and Peace Region Facebook page for bowling updates. Check with Cecil if you have questions. He can be reached at [email protected]


May 11 Spring Fun Bowling League - 3 games a week for 10 weeks we need a group of 4 to form a team, and there are enough ramps so we can have a couple lanes going. Fees are subsidized through donations: $17.00 per player plus $4.00 per game. Sign up at [email protected].

Welcome to Summer Student  
The SCI Alberta office in GP will be welcoming a new student for summer programs starting May 9th. Send your welcomes and peer activity interests to [email protected].

Chair-Leaders
Grande Prairie Chair-Leaders - May 13_ 2016 
Grande Prairie (Valleyview) Chair-Leaders event is coming up on May 13th....right around the corner! Starting from the Freson Bros IGA parking lot, four community leaders will be rolling around the town until lunch, and a different four will be exploring the town in the afternoon! Join us in cheering on the Honourable Chris Warkentin, MP and members of the following: Town of Valleyview, Sturgeon Lake Cree Band, MD of Greenview and more. If you wish to support our event but can't come out, consider clicking onto our fundraising page. Feel free to just come out and join us! Contact [email protected] or 780-532-3305.   

Cash and Camping Lottery

Stop by the Cash and Camping tent at the Northern Casino Parking lot in Grande Prairie after 11:00am daily! Proceeds of the lottery will be used by SCI Alberta Grande Prairie to help long-term clients with medical trips and equipment costs, and to develop peer programs in Grande Prairie and Peace River. SCI Alberta volunteers will be selling tickets from May 30 - June 3, and June 6 & 7. Early Bird Draw, May 26. Final Draw, July 6th, 2016.

Wolverines Wheelchair Sports Association Cyclone Cycling Club 
May 2, 6:00 p.m. is opening night for handcycling. They will meet Mondays and Tuesdays and those not going on the trails will gather on Thursday afternoons from 1:00 - 3:00 p.m. Fees apply. Contact Emily for more information at 780-882-9996. Sponsored through Alberta Parasports.

Show and Shine - Ken Sargent Buick - May 28, 2016 
All makes and models welcome at the Show and Shine! Prizes awarded for Best Car, Best Truck & People's Choice. Serving free A&W Root Beer, as well as having a charity BBQ, with all proceeds going to United Way. Let's get some adapted vehicles in there! To register, contact Gord Berg at (780)532-8865 or email [email protected]

Revolution Mazda Hosting BBQ for Community Foundation of Northwestern Alberta 
May 6, 11:30 - 1:30 p.m. They do a lot of great work and are helping to bring wheelchairs to individuals living in rural and remote areas. RSVP to [email protected] to join Mieke there for lunch. 
    
For More News and Community Events in Grande Prairie 
For information about other community news and events, click here.

Nutrition, Active Living and Wellbeing
 
Cinco de Mayo Nutrition Workshop 
Cinco de Mayo Nutrition Workshop - May 18_ 2016 
Another great Nutrition Workshop coming up in Calgary! Hang out with Kasey, our very own in-house Certified Nutritionist and have fun with nutrition...the theme for this month is Cinco de Mayo! May 18, 2016 at our SCI Alberta Office, 5211 - 4th Street NE, Calgary, 2:00 - 3:00 pm. RSVP to [email protected] or 403-228-7427. 
Ways to Give
Use Your Power for Good - Sponsor Energy
Sponsor Energy logo
50% of profits on your electricity usage each month can help individuals with spinal cord injuries and other physical disabilities! Click here to find out more.  









Agents of Change 
 
Our partnership with Agents of Change empowers you to support us in a substantial way if you are considering buying or selling a home.
Click here to find out more. 

Become a Spinal Cord Injury Alberta Member - Make Your Voice Count 
Spinal Cord Injury Alberta has been providing services and support to Albertans who have experienced a spinal cord injury or physical disability since 1961.

For a list of the many benefits available through your $25 membership, click here. Call 780-424-6312 or toll free 1-888-654-5444 to renew your SCI Alberta membership.

 
Click here to find out more about our ongoing resources.

Submissions/Subscribers/Contact Us
 
Please let others know about Wheel-E! They can subscribe by emailing or giving us a call at [email protected] (780) 424-6312 or toll-free: 1-888-654-5444
 
Please give us your thoughts and feedback on our newsletter. If you have announcements you would like posted, please submit to [email protected]
 
The next issue of SCI Alberta Wheel-E will be published the first week of June 2016. Deadline for submissions is on or before the 26th of each month. Whenever possible, please send in your announcements before the deadline!
 
For more information about Spinal Cord Injury Alberta, visit our website at http://www.sci-ab.ca     
Spinal Cord Injury Alberta neither endorses nor guarantees any of the products or services advertised in Wheel-E or on our website.     

Spinal Cord Injury Alberta
305 Hys Centre, 11010 - 101 Street, Edmonton, AB T5H 4B9  
SCI Alberta also has offices located in Red Deer, Calgary, St. Paul, Medicine Hat, Lethbridge, Lloydminster, Fort McMurray and Grande Prairie. 
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