When Don Calder started at WDEA Works in 2016, he set out with the aim to help people with all abilities find meaningful employment in the workforce. Little did he expect how much he himself would gain from the role or the way his workplace would rally around him in years to come. A dedicated Employment Consultant at the Maryborough site, Don has lived with the degenerative condition Multiple Sclerosis (MS) for 15 years. Don’s search for treatment has extended abroad as his condition intensifies, sparking a local fundraising drive. WDEA Works have pledged to match every dollar raised through the MyCause platform before 14 March 2019. “Don has been so generous with his time and skills, we are proud to help and hope he can receive this much-needed treatment. I encourage everyone in the WDEA Works team to donate what they can and help this brave and determined man,” said Andrew Giblin, WDEA Works HR Manager. Don credited his four-year-old daughter Kenzie for inspiring him to keep fighting the exhausting condition. “I’d love the chance to watch her grow up. Kenzie and I are so grateful for all the messages and generous fundraising efforts so far, it’s been so humbling. This money will go toward a new and promising treatment called Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation in Moscow. Although the stem cell transplant is a very costly procedure, and it’s not yet available in Australia, it shows strong results in stopping the progression and activity of MS. That alone offers us great hope.” Last week, the Maryborough community turned up in force for a Mad Max fundraising movie event to kick-off the fundraising campaign, and plans are also afoot for more events. How YOU can help! WDEA Works have pledged to match all donations made by WDEA Works staff. Director of Finance & Governance Mark Koch agrees that getting behind Don directly aligns with the mission of our organisation. “Let’s support one of our own and help change Don’s life and the lives of his family.” * As per previous protocol, a maximum of $10,000 will be donated by WDEA Works