The story of how Kin became associated with MS.
When diagnosed with MS, John Sears of Fredericton, New Brunswick became a
member of the MS Society. Shortly thereafter, he was elected to the Atlantic Division’s
board of directors and was later appointed to chair. Being an active Kinsmen with District 7
Kin, John saw an opportunity before him. At the Kin Fall Council meeting in 1977, he
proposed District 7 Kin provide support to the MS Society. The motion was carried and in
1978 the partnership, or Koinonia, began.
In 2007 to mark the celebration of a three decade-long partnership between the MS
Society’s Atlantic Division and Kin Canada Atlantic District 7, the MS Atlantic Division
presented KIN District 7 with the unique gift of a star named Koinonia, an ancient Greek
word meaning community, partnership, and the spirit of sharing, in their honour.
Officially registered with the International Star Registry, the newly named star, situated to
the right of the Little Dipper’s handle, is a tribute to the partnership between two
organizations and a testament to one man’s vision.
MS Canada has been fortunate to receive generous support from District 7 Kin Canada
Atlantic, and over the years the clubs have donated over $2.8M directly, and leveraged an
additional $700K through events like the MS Walk, raising over $3.5 million in Atlantic
Canada.
The number of people living with MS, is approximately 90,000 Canadians, which equates to
1 in every 400 people, and 12 more are diagnosed everyday.
Contributions from Kin allow for the MS Society to focus efforts on accelerating research
to develop new therapies and advancing treatments, increase access to important local
programs and services, and mobilizing government support to create public awareness.
MS Society of Canada, Atlantic Division Contact Information
Whitney Machin – whitney.machin@mscanada.ca
Tel. (902) 442-6939
Cheques can be mailed to:
MS Canada,
250 Dundas Street West
Suite 500,
Toronto ON, M5T 2Z5