Manitoba Down Syndrome Society (MDSS),
To say the last couple of years have been unusual, would be an understatement. Covid has interfered with all of our events and gatherings and we are only now seeming to regroup and come out of the other side of this.
Even though activities have been stopped and are only now resuming, it has been a very busy and rewarding couple of years for the board and as the President.
We have downsized our office space saving the MDSS monthly fees. We have added beautiful stained-glass hearts (Kim Baxter) to our existing Hospital care packages. We have continued to successfully host our Walk with Us event although virtually, displaying our ability to change with the times. Our usual annual wet walks inspired me to have umbrellas made with our beautiful heart logo; I don’t think we saw rain the last two years lets hope for the same this year.
We have brought the Westman Group back to life after many years, extending future events past the Perimeters of Winnipeg; hopefully this will continue to grow into other areas of Manitoba.
We have created a Family Committee which hosted our annual Winter sleigh ride and Moose Hockey game as well as our beloved annual Pancake Breakfast; all of these events were well attended and enjoyed by all! After putting out a request for volunteers, our membership stepped up and shared their excitement to assist with future functions thus ensuring we now have a Family Committee of at least 13 volunteers to draw from when planning future events. These are just some of the amazing things you as volunteers and the Board of Directors have accomplished in spite of all that was going on in the world.
We also celebrated the 30th Anniversary of the MDSS and that will always hold a special place in my heart. We created and designed new posters and brochures that have been sent to numerous locations within Manitoba. We celebrated with the creation of our Brothers and Sisters Song (Ken Hodges and Mike Mckenzie) and video (Ron Suchoplas). I was so excited to see our members and their family partake in this special project! We also celebrated with an amazing short film (Jeremy Williamson); it was absolutely amazing to see some of the strong trailblazers that helped pave our way years ago, all of these will be cherished forever.
Without the trail blazers who created the MDSS, the volunteers who keep it going, and the membership who benefit from all the hard work everyone puts into this organization, none of this would be possible.
With that, it is with mixed emotions that I am announcing I am leaving the role of President as of June 13, 2022. I have put my heart and soul into the Manitoba Down Syndrome Society for years (2017-2022) as Board Member, Secretary and as the President. I will continue to host our Baby Love Events and I may stay on with the Board in some capacity.
Life has been pulling me in another direction and is demanding more of my time which has led me to this decision. I am proud of what we have all accomplished during this time and I have no doubt there is someone waiting in the wings who is ready to pick up from here and who will go on and realize their hopes and dreams for the MDSS.
In addition to the role of President, the MDSS is looking for people to join our Board, to continue with all of the wonderful things we have been offering to our members.
If you are reading this and have been considering volunteering, this is the time.
If interested please email our office at info@manitobadownsyndromesociety.com or by calling Mina at 204-992-2731
Thank you for allowing me to represent this amazing organization and all of our beautiful members.
Kris Yunker,
President