The unyielding commitment from Canadian Spinal Research Organization (CSRO) volunteers has continued to inject both a positive spirit and necessary funds to fuel the journey towards a cure.  The CSRO is pleased to acknowledge the contribution of the CSRO’s Peterborough, Ontario Chapter with the 2008 Ralph Spadafore Volunteer Award.

The former president of the CSRO’s Peterborough Chapter, Alda Webster, began her journey to find a cure for paralysis over 20 years ago.  Alda, who became paraplegic after being injured in a school yard incident at the age of five, sadly passed away in 2004.  However, Alda’s legacy would live on through an entire community of volunteers who continue to support her dream. 

About eight years ago, Alda moved from the Brampton, Ontario to Peterborough, Ontario, and began hosting CSRO fundraising events in the area.  Together with her sister Marion Webster, close friend Marg Davis, and a team of friends from throughout the community, there were dances, bingos, dinners, yard sales, and a host of other events created to raise funds for the CSRO.

Just prior to Alda’s death, she asked Marion to assume the position as the president of the Peterborough Chapter, Marion graciously accepted.  “I enjoy doing the fundraising events and ultimately fulfilling Alda’s vision.  We always try to get the name of CSRO out to the public,” comments Marion.

Since 2004, the Chapter has raised just under $250,000 for spinal cure research.  Marg Davis, the Chapter’s treasurer, praises the involvement of local citizens.  “We host weekly bingo games where 80-100 players always show up. We thrive on the support that we get from individual volunteers like Judy Parkinson and local businesses that donate goods and services to our annual Ride for Research, which takes place every fall.”