Take a stroll down to the park this weekend and walk a little further for a good cause.
The 13th Annual Enerflex MS Walk is taking place on Sunday, April 28. The walk raises money for research and client services, but also aims to get people thinking about multiple sclerosis.
That worked out well in the past.
In 2012, 380 walkers raised $120,000. This year, about 400 walkers are expected to participate.
“We have definitely seen an increase in participation for this year and the previous years,” says Sherri Taylor, regional manager of development for the MS Society.
“It could be the fact there are more people that are recognizing the disease or seeing the effects from family and friends.”
The MS Society is the only national voluntary organization in Canada that supports both MS research and services for those afflicted.
According to its website, the disease affects more than 11,000 Albertans.
It attacks the myelin coating in parts of the nervous system, including the brain and spinal cord, causing loss of balance, impaired speech, fatigue, double vision and paralysis.
There is no known cause for multiple sclerosis.
The goal of the walk is to raise $125,000. Half of the amount goes into research; the other half goes into client services. Participants will meet at the St. Albert Curling Club at 10 a.m., and either walk three, five or 10 km.
And if the weather is bad, they’ll still go out, said Taylor.
“Rain or shine, we still participate. We figure people with MS still have to deal with whatever circumstances they have to face. It doesn’t matter if it’s forty below and it’s snowing,” she said.
Individuals or teams can register online at www.mswalks.ca, or by calling the MS Society at 780-463-1190. Anyone collecting $125 in donations receives a signature walk shirt.
