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South Okanagan Photos

Spinal cord organization helps people get out of the home

Paul climbing mountain22by Rachel Gifford

My dad is a Paul Gifford.  He has been a high-level quadriplegic for the past 34 years. Some of you may recall him kicking around the streets of Oliver from time to time.

This past summer dad and I became a part of a peer group supported by Spinal Cord Injury BC.  After 34 years of connecting with very few people in similar situations, this group was like a breath of fresh air. For the most part it just started with coffee groups. These were a chance for Paul to get out and chat it up with others living their lives in a wheelchair. But it lead to so much more.

This summer – with the help of Spinal Cord Injury BC –we were able to participate in activities I never thought possible.  Paul, for the first time since his accident, hiked up to the top of a waterfall.  Strapped to a trail-rider (a device that looks a lot like a wheel barrel), Paul had the full hiking experience. Volunteers from Cris Adaptive Adventures  towed him to the top of the Fintry Provincial Park waterfall.

We also had the opportunity to go sailing, and once again for the first time in 34 years, he got on a boat and toured around Okanagan Lake.

It has all left me to wonder… why did we not know about such an amazing group YEARS ago? So I wanted to get the word out there for others who may be in a similar situation.

That’s why I’ve been working for the past two months to organize one of Spinal Cord Injury BC’s first Okanagan fundraisers. On October 24th, we invite you to join us at the Laurel Packinghouse from 7pm to 11pm for our first annual Bring Your Own Chair (BYOC) event. Whether it be an ottoman, a stool, a throne or plastic chair, guests are encouraged to BYOC in support of those who bring their chair with them every day, no matter where they go. Tickets are $30 and include a drink, appetizers and a good time. All proceeds will go towards Spinal Cord Injury BC’s Okanagan Peer Support Program, so come on out and support your community!

WHY SCI BC MATTERS

Dealing with a spinal cord injury is a life-changing experience—and it can happen to anyone—but no one should have to deal with it alone. That’s why the Spinal Cord Injury BC exists.

HOW SCI BC CAN HELP

Whether someone is dealing with a new injury or struggling with the ongoing challenges of living and aging with a physical disability, Spinal Cord Injury BC’s Peer Support and Information Services Programs are here to help them adjust, adapt, and thrive in their communities.

The Peer Support Program: SCI BC can help you find peers in your community who really get what you’re going through. SCI BC hosts almost 60 events throughout British Columbia each year—ranging from BBQs to coffee groups and camping trips—where you can meet other families in your community. You can also connect with a peer mentor for one-on-one sessions.

With SCI BC’s Information Database (www.sci-bc-database.ca) you can find more than 800 resources related to living well with a spinal cord injury, or a related disability, in British Columbia. You can also call SCI BC’s InfoLine staff toll-free (1-800-689-2477), Monday to Friday, 9 am to 5 pm and they will connect you with the resources you need.