January was the 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. 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 both her parents are the founders of the Huntington Society of Canada, which makes 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 Huntington disease 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 said. “Our extended Huntington disease family.”
These days, having two children, 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 Huntington Disease.
“I used to do it in lump sums every year,” she said. “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.”
Monthly donors offer the Society a steady and predictable source of funding, and also allow us to benefit in two additional ways: it reduces their administration costs and it allows the foundation to plan more effectively. By donating $10 per month, it provides educational materials and consultations for one year to a facility providing long-term care for a person with Huntington disease.
By donating $20 per month, it ensures one person can take advantage of a retreat program, fostering feelings of inclusion and hope. By donating $30 per month, it enhances direct support services, including counselling, referrals and recreational programs for one person with Huntington disease for a year. To learn more about the Champions of Hope Monthly Giving Program, visit www.huntingtonsociety.ca/monthly-giving/
