Toronto residents raise more than $360,000 in Super Cities WALK for MS
More than 1,500 people participated in the Super Cities WALK for MS in Toronto, raising $360,000 for the fight against multiple sclerosis (MS).
Participants gathered at Sunnybrook Park and greeted the early morning rain on April 18 as they got into their gear and prepared to run. The morning was dreary and weary. Rain fell everywhere and there seemed to be no sun in sight for the day. As the sun was rising, participants took their marks and were off on their chosen trail. Throughout an onslaught of rain and cold wind, the participants of the event prevailed to the end of the run where food and music were waiting for them.
The end of the run was occupied by numerous picnic tables with hotdogs, soft drinks, and a stage, from which music emanated. Upon finishing the run, the participants were greeted by a handful of cheerleaders cheering them on, as well as MS. Toronto.
The participants socialized among themselves and shared stories of how their run went, as well as why they were there and how much they raised. Friendships were bonded by groups of people united under a common goal: to raise as much money as they could to aid MS research and to walk, run, roller-blade, bike-ride, etc. to show their support for a worthy cause.
In communities across Ontario, more than 20,000 people took part in the event, raising $3.75 million for multiple sclerosis research and services.
Alistair M. Fraser, president and chief executive of the MS Society of Canada, expressed his appreciation for people across Ontario who helped fight multiple sclerosis through local walks. "Tens of thousands of people throughout the province have contributed to the success of this event. Participants who attended the walk and raised pledges, friends and family who gave donations, volunteers who ensured that the event ran smoothly, and sponsors who provided valuable goods and services have all helped us move one step closer to a cure for multiple sclerosis."
The walk is held in 149 communities across Canada and organizers hope to raise $8.6 million in total to help find a cure for the disease, which affects an estimated 50,000 Canadians.
Multiple sclerosis is the most common disease of the central nervous system among young adults in Canada. Symptoms include vision and speech problems, extreme fatigue, lack of balance and coordination, and even paralysis. Canada has one of the highest prevalence rates in the world, with approximately three people being diagnosed with this disease each day. Canada is a leader in MS research, and researchers are steadily moving closer to finding a cure for this unpredictable, often disabling disease.
The MS Society of Canada’s next fundraising event is the MS Carnation Campaign, which will take place across Canada from May 6-8. For more information about multiple sclerosis and the MS Society of Canada, call 416-922-6065 or 1-800-268-7582, or visit MS Society.