MS WALK raises an impressive $81,000

Photo by Mark Pavilons An estimated 375 people participated in the Zehrs Super Cities WALK for MS in Bolton-Caledon Sunday, raising more than $81,000. This was the first year the event was held in Caledon East and despite the damp weather, both the enthusiasm and numbers remained high.

An estimated 375 people 'WALKed' to end MS in the Zehrs Super Cities WALK for MS in Bolton-Caledon Sunday, raising more than $81,000 and contributing to a total of $5.5 million raised across Ontario.

Proceeds of the Super Cities WALK for MS will fund multiple sclerosis research and services.

"The Super Cities WALK for MS is truly a community effort," said Yves Savoie, president and chief executive of the MS Society of Canada and president of the MS Society's Ontario Division, who raised funds and took part in the Toronto WALK. "The efforts of tens of thousands of participants and volunteers, combined with the support of hundreds of generous sponsors, made this event a success in communities all across Ontario. All of those who WALKed for a cure are making a significant difference in the lives of people with multiple sclerosis. With their help, we will end MS."

Annette Groves (this year's MS WALK honorary chairperson) was joined by family members during Sunday's record-breaking Caledon event.

Savoie noted that the WALK, as the MS Society's largest event fund-raiser, is an important part of the MS Society's ongoing efforts to end multiple sclerosis.

"Proceeds from the Super Cities WALK for MS will fund research into the cause and cure of multiple sclerosis, while at the same time providing local services to people with MS and their families. The Super Cities WALK for MS has helped us move one step closer to a cure for this unpredictable, often disabling disease."

This year the WALK moved from Bolton to the Caledon (East) Community Complex. The participants headed out along the Caledon Trailway.

Some of the top teams from 2006 were honored prior to this year's event.

Grant's Angels raised the most money, with an impressive total of $13,433 (no word on how they did this year). The top individual last year was Fred Tufnell, with $7,035. And the team with the top pledge average of more than $600 was Four Sisters Plus.

The team of Grant's Angels once again took part in the 2007 MS WALK. Last year, this enthusiastic group was the top fund-raiser, bringing in $13,433.

The title sponsor is Zehrs and the Caledon Citizen has supported the event since its inception. Other local sponsors included Cedar Hills Pontiac Buick Cadillac, Fabricland, Oakley Audio, Mr. Sub, Piller's, St. John Ambulance, Shoeless Joe's, Pharmasave, Comfort Inn, Caledon Community Complex.

The MS Society of Canada's next fund-raising event is the MS Carnation Campaign, which will take place May 10 to 12. The MS Carnation Campaign helps kick off MS Awareness Month across Canada.

For more information about multiple sclerosis and the MS Society of Canada, call (416) 922-6065 or 1- 800-268-7582, or visit www.mssociety.ca.