Huntington Society of Canada Celebrates Champions of Hope Month

January is Champions of Hope Month at the Huntington Society of Canada (HSC). Champions of Hope are donors that make monthly donations to support Canadians affected by Huntington disease (HD). Every year, we take the month of January to thank the dedicated donors who give time and time again to create an incredible impact over time.

Lara Hall is a Champion of Hope. And when your parents are the founders of the Huntington Society of Canada, contributing to the cause comes naturally.

She grew up collating newsletters on the dining room table, stuffing the Raggedy Anne dolls the Society sold to raise funds, helping out at garage sales, and more. Summer holidays included visits to families with HD in whatever part of the country they were touring. Later, she volunteered at the Society’s annual camp in Paris, Ontario.

As a result, she has strong connections to members of the Huntington community across Canada and internationally. “They are like family,” she says. “Our extended Huntington disease family.”

And, of course, you help family. These days, having two kids, a farm, a career in marketing and a collectibles business on the side doesn’t leave a lot of time for volunteering, so Lara’s contributions are largely financial.

In 2010, she signed up as a monthly donor. She knows her dollars are funding crucial services and bringing us ever closer to realizing her father’s dream of a cure for HD. “I used to do it in lump sums every year,” she says. “But it would be ‘oh my gosh, it’s Christmas’ and I have realized I have not given.” Automated monthly giving makes it simple: no cheques, envelopes or stamps required. “It is easy and convenient, and it makes me feel good that I’m doing something,” Lara says.

Monthly donors offer the Society a steady and predictable source of funding, and also allow us to benefit in two additional ways: it reduces our administration costs and it allows us to plan more effectively.

• $10/month provides educational materials and consultations for one year to a facility providing long-term care for a person with HD.
• $20/month ensures one person can take advantage of our retreat program, fostering feelings of inclusion and hope.
• $30/month enhances direct support services, including counselling, referrals and recreational programs for one person with HD for a year.

To learn more about the Champions of Hope Monthly Giving Program, visit www.huntingtonsociety.ca/monthly-giving/