The Scleroderma Society of Ontario is run almost exclusively by volunteers.  Please consider providing us with your time and support in one of the following ways.

Board of Directors:

The Board of Directors is made up of a team of fifteen (15) individuals with a variety of backgrounds and includes individuals who are Scleroderma patients, supportive family members and friends, and individuals who have important skills to provide to the Board.  Our Board is reviewed and nominated annually each September.  If you think you might be interested in joining our Board, please contact our office at telephone number 1-888-776-7776 and you will be put in touch with a Board Member who can discuss your participation.   

At this time, we have a specific need for an individual (or individuals) that can further develop a comprehensive fund-raising program.  

Committees:

If you want to become involved, but Board Membership may not be for you, we have the following Committees that you may be interested in joining or providing your experience to:

• Public Awareness / Marketing
• Fund-raising
• Education
• Research
• Government Relations

Support Groups:

If you are a Scleroderma patient or supporter, please consider starting a Support Group in your area.   We can put you in touch with other Scleroderma patients in your area.  Support groups do not have to be formal and can meet over the phone, or at your local coffee shop.  Support among Scleroderma patients is such an important part of coping with this disease and sharing information.  Please give us a call if you think that being a Support Group leader is something you are interested in.

Volunteer Pool:

Join our volunteer pool which is made up of individuals across that province who we can call upon to provide support at fund-raising and public awareness events in their community from time to time.   Please let us know if we can call upon you.

Organize a Fund-raiser:

Every year, the Scleroderma Society of Ontario oversees a variety of special events to help raise money to support Scleroderma research, education and patient care initiatives. At the same time as having fun by participating in these events, you and your family, friends or co-workers can also make an important contribution.  No fund-raiser is too small.

We can assist you with your fund-raising and may be able to have a volunteer from the Board assist you and provide guidance.  Here are just a few ideas of fund-raising events:

• Fund-raise while participating in your local race or run
• Run a golf tournament
• Hold a dinner and/or dance
• Hold an afternoon tea with a guest speaker
• Hold a Walk in the Park for Scleroderma in June (or at any other time of year that you and your friends can get together)
• Hold a pub night

The Scleroderma Society of Ontario does not currently have the manpower to run an event for you, but we are able to provide you with the support and guidance you need to make your event a success.  We are also able to issue charitable tax receipts to your supporters (in accordance with the rules as set out by the Canada Revenue Agency).  To learn how or to receive a package that can provide you with information about holding a fund-raiser, call us at 1-888-776-7776.

Increase Public Awareness:

At this time, Scleroderma is not a disease that is widely recognized or understood.  The more we are able to raise Public Awareness about Scleroderma, the more support we can provide to patients and their family members, the more members of the medical community learn about  Scleroderma and the more funds we can raise for the support of Scleroderma Research.

Everyone can help raise Public Awareness.  Just consider some of the following ideas that you can do in your own community:

• Ask your local Rotary, Chamber of Commerce, Shriners, Kiwanis or other service / business group if you can speak to their members about Scleroderma
• Speak to your local newspaper or radio station about running public service advertisements or announcements
• Provide Scleroderma information flyers to local community leaders, business people and politicians
• Put up information posters at your local medical centre, hospital, library or community center
• Set up an information table at local health fairs
• Set up an information booth in your local mall or community centre
• Speak to your doctor or rheumatologist about Scleroderma and ask if he / she can arrange for you to meet with medical professionals in your area to talk about Scleroderma
• Join our Facebook page and keep everyone posted on what is happening in your area

The Scleroderma Society of Ontario has posters, pamphlets, pins and other materials available for free and for sale to assist you with public awareness event.  Every bit of Public Awareness helps, so please contact our office to discuss how we might help facilitate your event.