Programs

There are over 40,000 people with Parkinson Disease in Ontario. The Passion For Parkinson’s Foundation is committed to funding essential programs that make a positive impact in their lives.

Next to medication, exercise is the most beneficial therapy for managing this disease. Research shows that various forms of tailored exercise or art forms can improve gait, balance, tremor, flex-ability, grip strength, cognition and overall motor coordination and sense of well-being. People living with Parkinson’s rate physical activity programs (73%), as services that would be most helpful to them. Art therapy has been demonstrated to reduce stress, lower blood pressure and improve dexterity in people living with Parkinson’s Disease.

The Passion For Parkinson’s Foundation has identified the need for, facilitated the creation of and fully funded the following programs:

Current Programs

Parkinson's Group Exercise Class

Exercises are designed to improve your fitness, counteract your PD symptoms and increase your daily activity. This whole body, function-focused exercise class will push you to do more than you think you can. As you practice, you will be challenged physically and cognitively while working on fitness goals; strength, balance, agility, aerobics, and flexibility.

Location 1: Clarkson Community Centre – 2475 Truscott Dr, Mississauga, ON

Mississauga Time: Monday’s 1:30 PM – 2:30 PM

Location 2: Tansley Woods Community Centre – 1996 Itabashi Way, Burlington, ON

Burlington Time: Tuesday’s 1:30 PM – 2:30 PM

Boxing

Parkinson’s boxing classes are non-combat workouts. Classes typically include exercises that help you improve hand-eye coordination, agility, speed, endurance, and strength. Classes will include stretches and warmup exercises, punching speed bags and heavy bag, footwork and agility exercises, exercises to improve overall fitness.

Instructor: Paul Condinho, PWR! Moves® (Parkinson’s Wellness Recovery) Certified Instructor

Location 1 : 9 Round Fitness 1865 Lakeshore Road W, Mississauga, ON

Mississauga Time: Friday’s 1:00PM to 2:00PM

Location 2: 1801 Walkers Line, Unit 3, Burlington, ON

Burlington Time: Wednesday’s 1:30 PM – 2:30 P

Golf

In partnership with Challenge Golf (A registered charity providing golf for the physically challenged) participants meet with volunteers at the driving range to learn the game of golf and enjoy the fresh air and comradery. No equipment or experience necessary, beginners welcome.

Monday’s 1:00 – 2:30pm (Tee Zone Golf, Oakville)

May 8^th – October 2^nd

Our monthly “coffee and friendship” is an informal gathering of Parkinson’s caregivers sharing their stories, experiences, laughter and tears in a friendly, supportive environment. Parkinson’s affects your life too!

Call Laura at 647-220-3758 or laura@passionforparkinsons@gmail.com

We look forward to caring and sharing with you.

Past Programs

Cycling

Join Gary Brown and Steve Iseman from the Rigid Riders as they lead cyclist through the waterfront trails of Mississauga. Every Ride is a new adventure and we are able to accommodate all levels of cycling ability.

Thursday’s 10:30am – 12:00pm (Lighthouse in Port Credit)

May 8^th – September 14th

Urban Pole Walking

Urban Pole Walking is a full-body exercise, which can help with improved posture and core strength, increased balance and stability and increased walking tolerance.

Walking with the poles helps relieve the stress placed on your joints while keeping your body active and helping it recover, the exercise itself is low impact and provides great resistance training without having to step foot inside a gym!

Instructor: Paul Condinho, PWR! Moves® (Parkinson’s Wellness Recovery) Certified Instructor

Oakville, Friday’s 11am – 12pm

Dancing with Parkinson's

This unique program is offered in partnership with Dancing with Parkinson’s™, an organization with many years of experience with the PD community.

Dance classes have emerged as a means to improve motor skills and cognitive abilities for those with Parkinson’s disease. Dancing improves gait and balance issues, helps participants improve their cognitive processing and decrease feelings of isolation through social interaction.

Oakville, Wednesday’s 11am – 12pm

Spinning

This cycling program was developed to provide many modifications and options for participants through various pedaling drills, speed and temp options. The class was based on the latest research with a focus on power and intensity though allowing everyone to work and progress at their own speed.

Studies show this type of training is highly effective in reversing muscle loss, increasing lung capacity and promoting overall brain and body connections. Research also shows spinning can improve overall motor function and reduce tremor, bradykinesia and rigidity.

Painting with Parkinson's

This unique class was developed specifically for our Parkinson’s community. Painting can foster cognitive thought, confidence, improved motor control and strengthen concentration. As a complimentary therapy, expression through art and painting can spur ongoing improvement in mental and physical well-being.

Ceramic Arts

Participants worked through the process of creation, learning how to turn a block of clay into artistic and functional pieces. This series provided creative stimulation while focusing on fine motor skills, hand dexterity, and increasing confidence, coordination, and motivation.

Offered by The Creative Hub 1352, an organization committed to the development and management of creative programming and events connecting people and ideas in their community. Classes were conducted virtually to ensure the health and safety of participants and instructors.

Mindful Movement

This series of movement classes were designed to develop mobility, coordination, strength, stamina, and balance. Exercises were adapted to suit the movement needs of each individual.

Our Heritage/History

Sharing memory kits and heritage knowledge about the stories of the Small Arms Inspection Building during WW11. Offered by The Creative Hub 1352, an organization committed to the development and management of creative programming and events connecting people and ideas in their community. Classes were conducted virtually to ensure the health and safety of participants and instructors.

Age Wise Exercise

This series was designed to improve strength, balance, co ordination, flexibility and mobility with the use of resistance bands and light-weight hand held equipment. It also focused on abdominal strength to improve balance, posture and functional core. Classes were offered virtually to ensure the health and safety of participants.