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.