Fundraising Tip of the Week

This Holiday season as you gather with your friends and family ask them to get involved and create a team with you for the 2010 MS Walk!

Challenge friends and family to each bring one new team member to the MS Walk. Individuals on a team typically raise twice as much as those who are not on a team!

Let us know on our MS Walk Facebook page and MSWalk Twitter account if you create a team this holiday season!

We want to ensure you reach your fundraising goal this year, so make sure to check back weekly for the fundraising tip of the week.

Enjoy gourmet Vietnamese coffee and help end MS!

Now you can taste the unique flavors and aromas of world-famous, gourmet Vietnamese coffee here in Canada! Vietnamese coffees represent a tradition of careful estate farming, deep roasting (but not burnt), and sophisticated blending of heirloom coffee varietals. H & O Coffee is proud to be an authorized shopping source of Trung Nguyen coffee. Order today and 50% of the proceeds will be donated to the MS Society of Canada. Makes for a great holiday gift!
http://www.handocoffee.com/charitable-shopping.php

Fundraising Tip of the Week

We want to ensure you reach your fundraising goal this year, so make sure to check back weekly for the fundraising tip of the week. Learn the best ways to collect pledges and share your ideas on how to launch a great fundraising campaign.

This Week's Tip:

Now that the holidays are fast approaching, we are all starting to get together with our friends and families for holiday parties. This year host a holiday dinner party and ask your guests to pledge you in the 2010 MS Walk instead of bringing wine or dessert.

Let us know on our MS Walk Facebook page and MSWalk Twitter account if you try this!

Countdown: 150 Days until the 2010 MS Walk!

The count down is on, we are now 150 days away from the 2010 MS Walk!

Now’s the time to …

- Register for your local MS Walk

- Get started on your fundraising to earn great prizes

- Recruit your friends, family, neighbours and co-workers to join you for a great day on April 18th

Let us know on the MS Walk Facebook page and the MSWalk Twitter page how you’re getting ready to make this your best fundraising year yet! Make your step the one that ends MS!

The New Age of Fundraising

Now that we are in full swing of 2010 MS Walk planning, the online fundraising system is open! Get a jump start on your fundraising this year by asking people to start pledging you online now.

This is a great tool for your friends, family, neighbours and co-workers to be able to pledge you quickly and easily. If you have friends and family who do not live close to you but would like to support you in the 2010 MS Walk, send them the link to pledge you online.


Your fundraising has no boundaries with the online system.

Link to your fundraising page in your email signature, in your Facebook status, or as an update on your twitter account! Imagine how many people you can reach out to by utilizing your online social networks!

Not yet registered for the 2010 MS Walk in your community? Click here to register today!

Let’s make this our best MS Walk season yet

Make Fitness a Priority

With colder weather moving in it may be tempting to hibernate. Fight the urge, and instead, make fitness a priority!

In the past, we have written about the benefits of physical activity, like walking, to your overall health and quality of life. So, while you may find it easier to get motivated during the summer, it’s important to stay physically active, even once the colder weather hits.

Swimming, gentle yoga, light aerobics and walking are a few of the many low-impact exercises that can be done indoors. Start by finding out what’s available near you. Try checking out local community and fitness centres to determine what facilities they offer. Or, you may choose to enjoy some of these activities in the comfort of your own home.

Regardless, don’t let the cold weather get you down. Find and stick with a regular fitness program that’s right for you!

Educate Yourself on the H1N1 Virus

In response to growing concerns surrounding the H1N1 flu virus, important information on how to protect yourself, and your family, from the virus has been posted to the MS Society website. Find out key H1N1 concerns, read through a series of questions and answers specific to people living with MS and their families, and learn techniques to protect yourself from exposure to the H1N1 virus.

We hope that you find this information useful and informative.

Take in a Raptors Game and Help Support the MS Society!

Attention Basketball fans… did you know that as a valued supporter of the MS Society of Canada you are entitled to discounted Toronto Raptors tickets? Purchase online using Ticketmaster and see savings of up to 20% per ticket. What’s better is that part of the ticket price is donated back to the MS Society!

Click here to purchase discounted tickets now! Special offer code is Multiple. This offer is available throughout the Raptors’ regular season, so take in a game and support the MS Society!

There is Strength in Numbers... Register for the 2010 MS Walk as a Team!

Gather three or more friends, family members, or co-workers and take part in the 2010 MS Walk as a team. TeamMS members are eligible for special offers and prizes. Click here to Register your team today!

Are you already walking as part of a team? This year set recruiting and fundraising goals for your team and work together to exceed these goals!



A few tips for creating a successful team:

• Build a network. Ask your friends, family, neighbours, and co-workers to join the Team.
• Send a recruitment e-mail to everyone in your address book. Make sure you include a link to the online fundraising system!
• Invite individual participants to join your team.
• Utilize the online fundraising features available to you and your Team.
• Share your story; tell people why you are participating in the event.
• Keep your Team informed. Pass on our newsletters and emails to keep Team Members motivated and inspire them to recruit others.
• Create a fun atmosphere for your Team before and after the event.
• Wear team hats or shirts to identify your Team!

Enjoy Ontario’s Walking Trails

Looking for a way to enjoy the fall season? Try taking a nature walk on one of Ontario’s walking trails.

From the historic Doon Heritage Crossroads Trail to the scenic Woodland Trail at Crawford Lake, there’s definitely a walking trail out there for you! Click here for a complete listing of accessible trails across Ontario.

Take in the simple beauty of the leaves changing colours and start warming up for the 2010 MS Walk!

Enjoy the trails.

It's That Time of Year Again!

The 2010 MS Walk event season is upon us, committees and Walk coordinators all over the country are starting to get together to plan the 2010 MS Walks. To help ensure that 2010 is our best year yet, The MS Walk program is looking for partners to help enhance the participant experience on walk day and help to reduce event costs. Click here if you would like to learn more about becoming a sponsor for the 2010 MS Walk.

Registration is now open online for the 2010 MS Walks so join the movement to end MS and register today! If you have walked with us before: log into your personal fundraising page to register for the 2010 MS Walk. Please note: If you forget your login and password call 1-888-822-8467.

MS Society Employment Opportunities: Marketing and Promotions

The Ontario Fundraising Events Marketing Team is looking to fill two full-time positions:

1. Senior Coordinator, Marketing and Promotions, Fundraising Events
2. Supervisor, Marketing and Promotions, Fundraising Events

The Ontario Fundraising Events Department is a non-profit events sector leader, generating millions in fundraising revenue mostly through well-known participant-based fundraising programs such as the RONA MS Bike Tour, the MS Read-A-Thon and the MS Walk.

These are exciting positions. The Ontario Fundraising Events Marketing department provides a positive challenge for those able to work in a fast paced environment and quickly adapt to diverse situations. We meet the challenges of a competitive, evolving marketplace remaining true to our organizational values and culture. At the same time, our workplace is recognized as enjoyable, friendly and flexible; and provides many growth opportunities for those who excel.

If you have a marketing background, passion for the marketing/promotions field, are innovative, creative and inquisitive and have a true desire to make a tangible impact in peoples lives, this might be the career opportunity you have been looking for.

Click on the links above to view full position descriptions as well as application details and deadlines.

Let's Keep the Momentum Going!

We know you are all great at walking for a cause but lets keep wheeling and walking for our own health. If you are looking to start incorporating walking into your routine but are not thrilled with the scenery of your neighborhood, you can venture out to one of Ontario’s scenic wheelchair accessible walking trails!

A few of the beautiful inclusive walking trails are:

Bowmanville Harbour Conservation :It is located on Lake Ontario in the Municipality of Clarington. There is a boat launch, parking and nearby access to waterfront. There are numerous parks and trails that weave through the Bowmanville Harbour Conservation Area and nearby Port Darlington Marina,

Whitby Waterfront Trail: The Waterfront Trail follows the shore of Lake Ontario from Niagara-on-the-Lake to Quinte West. Whitby's Waterfront Trail is off-road and paved. There are a number of beautiful natural areas to enjoy, for example Lynde Shore Conservation Area, the last remnant of old-growth white pines on the north shore of Lake Ontario.

Uptown Toronto :This Uptown Discovery Walk leads you through neighbourhoods just north of the City’s core. Hidden among the low-rise and high-rise residential, commercial and institutional buildings, you will discover a rich variety of parks, gardens and streetscapes.


For further details on the above mentioned trails or to find a scenic wheelchair accessible trail in your community please click here.

MS Society marks one year anniversary of endMS campaign

With over $41 million raised, five regional research and training centres launched and a growing number of educational events aimed at MS researchers and trainees, the Multiple Sclerosis Society of Canada proudly marks one year since the launch of its endMS capital campaign.In this video, Yves Savoie, president and chief executive officer of the MS Society of Canada highlights the achievements since the inception of the campaign.

Join Your Local MS Walk Organizing Committee

The MS Walk is the MS Society’s largest fundraising event. Taking place in 59 communities around the province, it raises over $6.2 million annually! Joining an organizing committee is a great way for you to become more involved in your community while truly making a difference.

Each local MS Walk Committee is primarily responsible for the successful planning and execution of a fun, non-competitive, community based fundraising event from start to finish. This volunteer organizing committee works together to help recruit new participants and local sponsors leading up to the Walk, train and lead event weekend volunteers and plan and execute a successful walk.

Being a member of the MS Walk committee provides you with an opportunity to build relationships and get involved in your community, gain leadership experience and develop your existing skills, learn more about how the MS Society and the MS Walk operates and is executed, and allows you to be an integral part of the mission of the MS Society – to be a leader in finding a cause and cure for MS and enabling people affected by MS to enhance their quality of life.

We are looking for volunteers with a wide variety of skills and experience. Positions on the committee include: sourcing sponsors, recruiting and stewarding walkers and teams, planning the route and more!

For more information about joining a MS Walk Organizing Committee in your area please contact Clarinda Brandao, Volunteer Resources at msvolunteers@msociety.ca or 1-800-268-7582 ext. 2321.

MS Society Internship Opportunities

The Ontario Division Fundraising Events Marketing Team is looking to fill two internship positions which start this September. The two internship opportunities are as follows:

1. Events Marketing Execution and Communications Internship
2. Digital Marketing and Design Internship

Both internships offer great learning opportunities and a chance to work with marketers in a dynamic, fast paced environment while gaining valuable hands on experience. Click on the links above to view full position descriptions as well as application details and deadlines.

Why I Joined my Local MS Walk Organizing Committee

"I initially joined the Newmarket MS Walk committee to help the people in my area suffering with MS and to raise money for a cure for MS. To my surprise I was at the receiving end. I not only met some wonderful people but I have made many great friends. It has given me a great sense of accomplishment to be part of the successful efforts to end MS ." - Mary Ann Slattery, Newmarket MS Walk Co-Chair

Joining a MS Walk organizing committee is a great way for you to become more involved in your community while truly making a difference. For more information about how you can join an organizing committee in your area please contact msvolunteers@msociety.ca or call 1-800-268-7582 x2321.

Big Team with even Bigger Hearts!

Congratulations Team Hartley for not only being the largest team at the 2009 Whitby MS Walk with 102 members, but for also being the top fundraising team with an impressive $39, 154.52. Helping the 2009 Whitby MS Walk surpass all expectations with 537 participants raising over $168,800. Sarah Hartley, team captain of Team Hartley, did an outstanding job leading her energetic team! Team Hartley had matching shirts, and signs at the Walk and their big smiles and positive attitudes could not be missed!

For information on how to join TeamMS and the perks of being on a team call 1-800-268-7582 and ask for the TeamMS Coordinator.

Help end MS this Weekend!

With his rubber to the road Mike Augustine – a longstanding MS Society volunteer who has lived with MS for 20 years – is always ready to roll, especially when it comes to the RONA MS Bike Tours. Although multiple sclerosis keeps Mike from riding, he is very active with the Tours. This year, Mike will be participating in this weekend’s Brampton to Waterloo Tour as the Virtual Rider.

Click on the video and find out why Mike is so passionate about supporting the RONA MS Bike Tours, and also why it’s so important to support his efforts in the fight to end MS. There are two great ways you can help end MS this weekend: either sponsor Mike Augustine, or have a look to see if there’s anyone you know who is riding this weekend that you can sponsor.

When the MS Bike Tour began in 1989, people diagnosed with multiple sclerosis had no treatment options. Today there are five disease modifying drug therapies proven to alter the course of the disease and bring greater hope for a cure. This would not have been possible without generous supporters like you.
Although we’ve made great strides, there is no cure. That is why the over 55,000 Canadians living with this debilitating disease need your support. Share the Virtual Rider video with your friends, family, neighbours, and co-workers and encourage them to sponsor a rider.

Whether you’re a sponsor, participant or volunteer, we’d like to thank you very much for gearing up for the challenge. Here’s wishing everyone participating in the Brampton to Waterloo Tour good luck and good weather.

PS: Add the video and this link, http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ai0AFQ_z7E4 to your blog, website or Facebook wall and help Mike exceed his fundraising goal in the fight to end MS!

Walk even before the MS Walk

Every year, thousands of people like you meet up in their communities to walk with a common goal: to end MS. But there are other reasons to walk before next spring. Have you ever thought about adding walking to your weekly schedule as a regular activity?

Benefits – Regular walking is a healthy exercise that has multiple benefits. It is an aerobic exercise that doesn’t require equipments, special apparel or specific locations, just comfortable shoes to avoid minor injuries. It can be done by anyone, regardless of gender or age.

If practiced regularly, walking can be of great benefit to your health and quality of life. It can improve your sleep, mood and overall energy level, in addition to lowering the risk of a list of diseases, such as diabetes, cancer, osteoporosis, obesity and heart disease, among others.

How to start – Get motivated by setting goals and walk times, by having a friend to walk with or simply by aiming to be in better shape in time for the next MS Walk. But be careful! Rather than starting with long distances, try to gradually increase the amount of time and pace that you spend exercising. Also, if any changes occur in your physical condition, make sure to let your physician know.

Remember – The first step is always the hardest – but also the most important. So don’t wait too long and get started with your regular walking program. Every step matters, not only for the MS Walk, but for your health too!

Billy Talent To Host Third Annual F.U.MS Open at Pipers Heath Golf Club

On Friday, August 21st, more than 100 golfers will hit the links at Pipers Heath Golf Club to help young adults affected by multiple sclerosis at the third annual F.U.MS Open. The tournament is expected to raise approximately $25,000, with proceeds benefiting the MS Society of Canada Scholarship Program, supported by Billy Talent and Friends.

The MS Society of Canada Scholarship Program was launched by Aaron Solowoniuk, drummer for multi-Juno Award winning punk rock band Billy Talent, who has lived with MS for more than a decade. Now in its third year, the program has awarded $219,750 in post-secondary scholarships to young adults with MS, or who have a parent who lives with the disease. More information is available at www.mssociety.ca/scholarship.

Date: Friday, August 21st 2009
Location: Pipers Heath Golf Club, Milton (HWY 407 & Trafalgar Rd.)
Tickets: $200 individual, or $600 per foursome
Time: Tee off at 1:30pm
Tickets include: Green Fees, Driving Range, Golf cart, Gift Bag, Door Prizes, Buffet Dinner, Longest Drive, Closest to the Pin, Cars for hole in ones, Silent Auction and much more, including a chance to win a trip for TWO to the British Open in SCOTLAND! For more information and/or tickets, please contact Trevor or Renee Solowoniuk at rensolo@gmail.com or 647-887-8738.

Celebrating the 12th Welland MS Walk!

For the 12th year, the Welland MS Walk has had overwhelming support from the local community. With over 240 participants the 2009 Welland MS Walk continued the tradition of a scenic river-side trek, this year accompanied by a beautiful sunny day! Starting at the Minor Hockey Association Building, the Welland MS Walk featured a beautiful route meandering along the water.

The 2009 MS Walk was another huge success raising over $32,000. A big thank you to all participants, volunteers and supporters!

Jessica Cook

Join a MS Walk Planning Committee. Be an end to MS.

This was my first year as a member of the MS Society - Milton - Halton Hills MS Walk planning committee and I can honestly say that it has been more than a pleasure to have been a part of this group. I have learned so much in terms of what and who is in my community, how strongly the passion and dedication of our community shines, and how creative and motivated is the MS Society in capturing the true essence of giving. I had a wonderful time making new friends and contributing to this very worthy cause. I am already looking forward to how I can help make the 2010 Milton – Halton Hills MS Walk event even bigger and better!

Thanks,
Luisa


For more information about how you can join a MS Walk planning committee in your area please contact Volunteer Resources at 1-800-268-7582 ext. 2321 or msvolunteers@mssociety.ca.

A Different Kind of Birthday Celebration

On Sunday April 19th, 749 registered participants gathered at Jim Archdekin Recreation Centre to Walk to end MS at the 17th Annual Brampton MS Walk!

During the Opening Ceremonies Walk Chair, Larry Imber, wished, Noah Galan, one of our youngest Top Fundraisers, a Happy 9th Birthday. Noah decided that instead of having a birthday party this year, he wanted to attend the Walk and rather than getting presents he asked his friends and family for pledges!

“Noah thought the walk was really "cool". He really enjoyed it and his friends were so happy for him. He completed the whole 10K which was a surprise to me and everyone else. We were all very proud of him for what he did. I missed the Opening ceremonies when they said Happy Birthday to him. It's probably best that I did or I'd be needing a clean up crew for my tears” said mother, Colina Galan. Noah raised $755 and walked 10km in honour of his mom! Way to go Noah, you are a true inspiration!!

Congratulations to Saverio DiMondo for raising $9,400 and being our Top Fundraiser! Another big congratulations goes out to Team Captain, Nancy Kastner, and all of the members of Wacky Women on the Walk for raising $12,466 as a team! Walkers in Brampton this year, collectively raised $178, 544! It has been a pleasure to work with such a dedicated community.

Melissa Hurley

Congratulations St. Catharines!

Over 650 people gathered for the annual MS Walk at the Port Dalhousie Lions Club to fundraise, volunteer, Walk and join the fight to end MS!

The St. Catharies-Thorold Walk alone raised over $158,000 to support local services. The MS Walk continues to also be a significant program in funding research towards a cure for MS.

This year there was an overwhelming response with fantastic local support from Jim Bradley, MPP, many local sponsors and the community as a whole.
Congratulations to our top fundraiser, Ineke Bezuyen and to the top fundraising team, ‘Al’s Pals.’

Thank you so much to everyone who came out as a Walker, volunteer or sponsor. We could not have done it without you!

Jessica Cook
Coordinator, Fundraising Events

Dafeet MS

One day in early March I was sitting at my desk and someone came to the door- it was a participant who was bringing in some money for the MS Walk. I got up, greeted him, took his pledge money and thanked him- what I didn’t know at the time was how dedicated and driven this man, Andy, and his team “Dafeet MS” were to making a difference for people in the Hamilton community affected by MS.

In the weeks following, Andy dropped by our office on a weekly basis bringing hundreds of dollars for himself and his teammates. I became curious about this team so I went online to see how much they had raised- I was floored!

The next time Andy came into our office, we talked about his team and how well they were doing; he told me this was the year they decided they had to do something to help end MS, “We have been participating in the MS Walk for a few years but realized we can do more and want to do more.” This team comprised of family and friends are completely dedicated to the cause and are passionate about ending MS. It was not only the fact that their team, cleverly named by Team Captain Tamara, “Dafeet MS”, raised over $18,000, but it was their hope and unwillingness to give up that I found truly inspiring. They were our highest pledged team, and took home the award for best team spirit.

Alison Foreman
Fundraising Coordinator
Hamilton Chapter

Summer Reading!

Welcome Summer! We all enjoy the long, relaxing days of summer. Family BBQ’s, trips to the beach and catching up on your favourite blog, EveryStepMatters.ca! The 2009 MS Walk has come and gone but over the summer we will have some great news and stories to share with you right here. Join us every week for a new short story portraying an MS Walk from a local* viewpoint. You are invited to comment, share your thoughts and keep the movement to end MS going all summer.

Subscribe to EveryStepMatters.ca using the tools on the left hand side of the page or follow the updates on Facebook, Twitter, & LinkedIn.

Enjoy!

Ashleigh
Senior Coordinator, Fundraising Events
MS Society of Canada, Ontario Division

*Not all communities will have posts. We will be selecting stories that represent different regions and aspects of the Walk.

endMS "Brazilian Style"

Straight from Rio de Janeiro, a street footballer showcased all his soccer skills, while demonstrating his support for the endMS campaign.

"endMS" is a three–year national campaign with a goal of raising $60 million to fund research activities and establish the endMS Research and Training Network. The Network is a first in the MS community and represents an immediate, dedicated investment to advance Canada’s leadership position in MS research.

The goal of the endMS Research and Training Network is to accelerate research to end multiple sclerosis. The Network will help attract and train young researchers and retain seasoned scientists in an effort to speed the pace of discovery.

Enjoy - and share it with your friends! Together, we will end MS.

World MS Day Today!

Today is the first annual World MS Day, created to unite individuals, groups, and organizations in the global MS movement. More than 160 events are taking place today in 51 countries around the world!

Irish rock group U2 has contributed their song Beautiful Day to a global campaign video highlighting different aspects of MS. Check it out at www.worldmsday.org.

Join the global movement. End MS!

More MS Walk Success!

Thanks to everyone who took part in Sunday’s MS Walks in Belleville, Brockville, Kingston, Napanee, North Bay, and Sudbury! Every step mattered as 1,200 people walked for a cure in these communities, raising more than $265,000 in pledges. And it’s not over yet … walkers still have one month to raise pledges and earn prizes!

Almost 30,000 people have taken part in 61 MS Walks this year, raising more than $6 million! Proceeds of the MS Walks will fund research into the cause and cure of multiple sclerosis, as well as provide services to people with MS and their families.

Every step matters! Thank you for making a difference in the fight to end MS.

We're Still Walking to End MS!

MS Walks will take place this Sunday, May 24th in Belleville, Brockville, Kingston, Napanee, North Bay, and Sudbury.

For all those who will be taking part, we wish you sunny skies and a great day. Thank you for being a part of the movement to end MS!

PS: Click here to register online or pledge a Walker. Every step matters!

Announcing ... GearingUp.ca!

The RONA MS Bike Tours have launched GearingUp.ca, a blog dedicated to the RONA MS Bike Tours.

The RONA MS Bike Tours are the perfect way to add some fun to your summer! Get on your bike, take in some of Ontario's spectacular scenery, and meet some fantastic people. These recreational, fully supported rides are perfect for all ages and levels of fitness.

Join the conversation and gear up to help end MS this summer!

Five Multiple Sclerosis Research Centres Established

The MS Society announced today the establishment of five research and training centres that are expected to significantly accelerate the pace of MS research. The centres, which are located in 54 academic institutions and teaching hospitals throughout Canada, involve more than 100 established scientists and 250 trainees.

Known as endMS Regional Research and Training Centres (RRTC), the centres come less than one year after the MS Society launched the endMS campaign, a major fundraising initiative to alter the research landscape in Canada. For the next three years, each centre will receive $100,000 per year to fund collaborative training and research activities.

Visit endMS.ca for more information.

The MS Carnation Campaign Is Underway!

The 33rd annual MS Carnation Campaign is happening now, as communities all across the country use the “power of the flower” to help end MS. From May 7th to 9th, volunteers will sell bouquets and plants in shopping centres, office buildings, and other hot spots to help end MS. Find out what’s happening in your community.

Mandarin Restaurants will be giving out gift carnations to women who visit any Mandarin location over Mother’s Day weekend (May 9th and 10th). What a great way to treat “Mom” and help end MS at the same time!

Do you know the history of Mother’s Day? The carnation is not just the MS Society’s signature flower - it has a historical association with this very special holiday. Read about it here.

Happy Mother’s Day to all and thank you for your support!

May is MS Awareness Month!

Since the mid-1970s, May has been observed as MS Awareness Month across Canada.

MS Awareness Month began in 1975, when Gloria Malcolm, a member of the MS Society’s national board of directors, was asked to examine whether a small campaign in Laval, Quebec involving the selling of carnations might make a good national fundraiser.

Based on the success of the first small event and the natural tie-in to Mother’s Day, her answer was an emphatic “yes.” In 1976, the MS Society held its first national MS Carnation Campaign and MS Awareness Week, which then grew to encompass the entire month.

Check out the following activities happening during May:

1. Fundraising events like the MS Carnation Campaign and MS Walk will be taking place in various cities throughout Canada.
2. On May 6, MS Society volunteers will present carnations to MPs as they enter the House of Commons and advocacy meetings with MPs will be held on May 7.
3. On May 9, Mr. Lube will be donating $5 from every oil change to the MS Society.
4. From May 1-17, hardware retailer RONA will be running a special campaign asking customers for donations to the MS Society during check out.
5. An MS research teleconference will take place on May 20 giving participants the opportunity to ask an MS researcher questions about any aspect of MS.
6. Downloadable MS awareness posters are available at www.mssociety.ca/en/media-downloads.htm

Get involved! Visit http://www.mssociety.ca/ for more details of what’s happening in your area.

Still Walking for MS!

People are still walking and rolling to end MS!

The MS Walk will take place in Sault Ste. Marie this Sunday, May 3rd. And depending on where you live, join us on May 24th for MS Walks in Belleville, Brockville, Kingston, Napanee, North Bay, and Sudbury.

Whether you are taking part in an upcoming MS Walk, or continuing to raise pledges from the April 19th events (there are three weeks left to fundraise and earn prizes), thank you for making a difference in the lives of people with multiple sclerosis.

MS Walk in the News!

This year’s MS Walk benefited from great media coverage all across the province! In communities large and small, the event was featured in newspapers, on radio programs, and on TV newscasts. It’s proof of what we already knew … that the MS Walk - and the need to end this disease - is important news.

Check out this front page photo from Monday’s Metro Toronto newspaper, which has a readership of 300,000 people!

Thanks again to everyone who took part in an MS Walk on April 19th. Let us know how the day went for you!

We Did It!!

What a day we had Sunday!

I was in great company as I joined thousands of people in Sunnybrook Park to walk to end MS.
It was a festive hubbub of both mankind and beast, all united in mind and mission. Participants came in all shapes and sizes with various accoutrements: strollers, wheelchairs, wagons, walkers, water bottles, juice boxes, canes, and scooters. From moms and dads, to children, to grandmothers and grandfathers, to dogs of all sizes, and to friends – they were all there, ready to walk and roll.

Despite battling a cantankerous chest cold, I walked ten kilometres, with the help of warm sunshine on my face and glorious deep blue skies above me. By my calculations, I took 12,000 steps – give or take. :) I was prepared for a difficult night MS-wise but other than some stiffness, I have experienced no increase in MS symptoms.

I am reminded that Sunday wasn’t just about a walk in a park. Because of the generosity of sponsors and volunteers, of family and friends, and of the tremendous outpouring of donations, the walk – every step, in fact – was a statement – a huge affirmation that we will end MS.

I’m registered already to walk in 2010.

Every step matters.

Barbara Dickson

MS Walk Success!

Every step mattered yesterday as the MS Walks took place in 50 communities across Ontario. An estimated 21,000 people took part, walking and rolling with family, friends, or colleagues, all united in the commitment to end MS. When all the pledges were turned in, almost $5 million had been raised! Check the results of your local community here.

“The success of the MS Walk is due to the commitment of communities across Ontario,” said Yves Savoie, President and Chief Executive Officer of the MS Society of Canada and President of the MS Society’s Ontario Division, who fundraises and takes part in the event. “In these difficult economic times, we are particularly grateful to our participants, donors, sponsors, and volunteers for their ongoing support.”

Don’t forget that there are still have four weeks to raise pledges – and earn prizes. And depending on where you live, join us at upcoming MS Walks in May, taking place in Belleville, Brockville, Kingston, Napanee, North Bay, Sault Ste. Marie, and Sudbury. Register at www.mswalks.ca.