Porridge for Parkinson’s

Porridge for Parkinson’s founders, Marg Meikle and Noel MacDonald with their son, Mac.

At PPRI, we are firm believers that individuals can make a significant difference in the fight against Parkinson’s. The Porridge for Parkinson’s fundraiser is a perfect example. To date, Porridge for Parkinson’s has raised more than $3 million in BC alone.

It began in 2001, when Parkinson’s patient and longtime CBC Answer Lady, Marg Meikle, wanted her own answers on how to beat this disease and, as with many of the questions she responded to for listeners over the course of her career, she knew research was the key. Together with her husband and PPRI director, Noel MacDonald, and their son, Mac, Marg invited 200 friends over for porridge. The breakfast timing made it easier for Parkinson’s patients to participate, as symptoms are typically better in the morning. The low-cost, grassroots event was a hit, raising triple their goal.

Porridge for Parkinson’s has grown, with events offered annually in the Lower Mainland and successfully duplicated in Toronto by one of Marg’s friends. Although Marg died in 2013, her legacy continues, funding the search for answers. Donations from Porridge for Parkinson’s events led to the creation of the Marg Meikle Professorship in Parkinson’s Research at PPRC. This position is held by Dr. Silke Cresswell. 

If you would like to attend a future Porridge for Parkinson’s event, which are by invitation, please contact us at info@pacificparkinsons.org.

We welcome you to join us for a morning of delicious porridge, informal research updates and connecting with others who share our commitment to finding answers.