What is the MS Global Dinner Party?

It is an initiative, launched by the Multiple Sclerosis International Federation (MSIF) in 2003, where individuals, groups and MS organisations host an event on or around the same date to raise awareness of MS.

In 2010 MS Global Dinner Party (GDP) events will be held on or near to World MS Day on Wednesday 26 May. Don’t worry if this date is not convenient – you can host your event at any time around this date.

Why should I take part in the MS Global Dinner Party?

The event unites individuals, groups and MS organisations around the world in an effort to:

• raise awareness of MS


• raise awareness of MS societies and their role in the global MS movement


• raise funds for the fight against MS

What does it involve?

The events can be held for/with friends, family, neighbours or colleagues and can range from formal catered dinners to casual informal gatherings. The event does not have to include food – a quiz or film evening could be organised or a play or concert performed. The GDP could take place in someone’s home or garden, a restaurant, a town or village hall or any suitable venue.

Instead of bringing a gift for the host, everyone invited to a GDP event is asked to make a donation to support the global fight against MS.

After your GDP event, you send the donations collected to the MS society in your country. The money raised is put towards relevant national and international projects and programmes.

Who takes part in the MS Global Dinner Party?

Since 2003 GDP events have been held by individuals, groups and MS organisations in Australia, Bermuda, Canada, Denmark, Ireland, Germany, Greece, Netherlands Panama, Romania, Spain, Switzerland, the UK and USA.

Tips

Your GDP event should be fun. Here are a few tips to take the stress out of your event and to ensure you enjoy the event as much as your guests:

• Keep it simple. Organise something that you know you and your friends enjoy doing, for example a quiz, fancy dress party or meeting up to watch a sporting event on the television.


• Have fun creating the event. Think about: venue/location, food, drinks, theme, music and entertainment.


• Decide how you are going to collect your guests’ donations.


• Send out the invitations four to six weeks prior to your event to give your guests plenty of notice.


• Don’t forget to ask your guests about food allergies or special dietary needs.


• Shop ahead: There’s nothing worse than missing a vital ingredient and racing round the shops desperately trying to track it down.


• Don’t feel you have to cook everything yourself.


• Ensure your guests are aware of the contribution they are making to such an important cause.


• Most of all have FUN!

After your event collect the donations and send them to the MS society in your country.

Read all about the GDP 2005, GDP 2006, GDP 2007 and GDP 2008 events that took place across the globe.