Happy holidays - see you in 2013!

We’d like to take this opportunity to wish you happy holidays and a bright start to a new year. Enjoy your family traditions, time spent with loved ones and sweet seasonal treats!

We had a great 2012 MS Walk, but our New Year’s resolution is to be even more successful this coming year. Will you join us and strive to meet or exceed your 2012 team or personal fundraising results in 2013?

All the info you need to get started can be found at mswalks.ca!

Ten of our furry friends at the 2012 MS Walk

Over the past month we’ve been encouraging you to register to participate in the 2013 MS Walk, and to recruit your human friends to walk with you. But we know our furry friends are also important members of the team. Bringing your pet along makes the event more fun for everyone – especially our photographers!

Here are 10 of our favourite photos of adorable canine participants in the 2012 MS Walk.

 

Five tips for fundraising with social media

Though it may seem complicated at first, using social media tools – especially in conjunction with your online personal fundraising page – makes collecting donations easier than ever. Online appeals will never replace the very important face-to-face fundraising you do with close family, friends and colleagues, but they can give you the extra boost you need to reach your fundraising goals.

Here are 5 easy ways social media can help you power up your pledges!

1. Link your personal fundraising page to your social media accounts to make it as easy as possible for donors to learn about the cause and contribute their support. On Twitter, add the link to your “Bio.” On Facebook use the “About Me” field of your profile. Email counts too! – add the link to your signature!
2. Use Facebook events. Join our province-wide MS Walk Facebook event, then send your friends invites or share the event on your Timeline. Want to get a little more personal? Create your own Facebook event to share with your teammates and donors. Post photos, videos and updates on your progress toward your fundraising goal so your supporters can stay up-to-date.
3. Post photos from last year’s event. One of the best ways to get your teammates and supporters excited for this year’s MS Walk is to remind them how much fun you had together last year. Share photographs you took at previous years’ events, and make sure to tag your friends.
4. Thank your donors, team members and supporters. Social media makes it easy to thank a donor for their support. This recognition will encourage other members of your networks to join in the fun.
5. Share our content. Don’t have time to create new content for your social media accounts? Let us do the work for you! You can easily share or “retweet” content from our Facebook and Twitter accounts, and find photos of last year’s event at our Flickr page.

Human Rights Day

Today is Human Rights Day!

From the United Nations website:

“Human Rights Day presents an opportunity, every year, to celebrate human rights, highlight a specific issue, and advocate for the full enjoyment of all human rights by everyone everywhere.

This year, the spotlight is on the rights of all people — women, youth, minorities, persons with disabilities, indigenous people, the poor and marginalized — to make their voices heard in public life and be included in political decision-making.”

Find out more information about the day’s history and special events – and ways you can get involved! – on the 2012 Human Rights Day website.

“Your Impact” – Julia’s Story

Have you had a chance to explore the MS Society of Canada’s “Your Impact” campaign, in which people living with multiple sclerosis talk about what most impacts their lives?

One of the profile stories is about Julia, who has a special relationship with the MS Walk. Her MS Walk team – Team Julia – has grown to 40 members!

 Julia says:

“The MS Walk holds a very special place in my heart and I look forward to it every year. The sense of community, the sense of pride – it’s overwhelming. The MS Walk helps me feel supported and inspired – that’s why I walk.”

We’d like to thank each of you for lacing up for someone you love, just like Julia’s team does for her. If you haven’t registered yet, visit mswalks.ca to start making your impact today.

The fine art of self-promotion

One of the hardest parts of fundraising is identifying possible donors and breaking the ice. Once you get past that first hurdle, you’ll find that people are excited about supporting you as you lace up for someone you love.

So how can you make sure people know about your commitment to the cause? You need to promote yourself! It’s easier than it sounds. Start with these five easy ideas.

1. Add a message about the cause and the link to your personal fundraising page to your email signature. This will remind your friends and work colleagues about your mission on a regular basis, and give them a quick and easy way to show their support.

2. Make fundraising part of your special occasion. Ask for donations to your fundraising page in lieu of flowers on your birthday, or yet another pair of socks in your Christmas stocking.

3. Use social media. Use your online accounts and networks to reach out to potential donors. Share content from the MS Walk Facebook, Twitter or YouTube accounts to familiarize your contacts with the event. Because it’s easy to donate online, even your friends across the globe can show their support.

4. Advertise for free. Where possible, contact local TV or radio stations to share your team or personal MS Walk story with a wider audience. Write a letter to the editor of your community newspaper, submit a piece to a blog or the church newsletter, or put up posters at local businesses. It doesn’t need to cost a lot to get the word out!

5. Be proud of yourself. Asking for donations to support a worthy cause is nothing to be embarrassed about! Take pride in your commitment and hard work, and don’t be afraid to share your enthusiasm with others.

International Day of Persons with Disabilities!

Today is International Day of Persons with Disabilities! This year’s theme is “removing barriers to create an inclusive and accessible society for all.” With your crucial support, the MS Society works toward this goal every day. The funds you raise during the 2013 MS Walk help us provide vital services to people living with MS in your community.

To mark this special occasion, please call, text or speak to a friend, family member or co-worker about your participation in the MS Walk, your fundraising goals and the difference the funds you raise will make in the lives of people affected by MS. Every single contribution helps.

Then check out the UN’s collection of the diverse ways people are acknowledging this special day around the world, and their suggestions for other ways you can organize, celebrate and take action!

Physical activity guidelines for adults living with MS

As announced in the Fall/Winter issue of MS Canada magazine, the Canadian Society for Exercise Physiology (CSEP) has released Canadian Physical Activity Guidelines for Adults with MS. The MS Society recommends these guidelines for those living with mild to moderate MS who want to pursue physical activity.

You can see the summary below:

Be sure to visit mssociety.ca/physicalguidelines for advice on getting started, more detailed guidelines and frequently asked questions.

Consider making regular walks part of your aerobic activity. Walking will help you achieve important fitness benefits – and also help you prepare for the 2013 MS Walk come May!

Make the MS Walk part of your holiday celebrations

The holidays are a time for generosity, when our hearts turn toward family, friends or even strangers in need. Participation in the 2013 MS Walk is one great way for you to make a difference in your community – here are some ways for your family and friends to join in the season’s goodwill.

•  Ask friends and family members to join your MS Walk team. Over the holidays, family dinners and get-togethers with old friends help us reconnect with people we don’t spend enough time with throughout the year. Why not ask them to join you at the 2013 MS Walk? A shared commitment will help you to stay in touch, and you can look forward to seeing one another at your community’s event come spring.
• In lieu of gifts, request donations to help you reach your fundraising goal. We’ve all had the awkward and frustrating experience of searching for that perfect gift for the person who has everything. Save your friends, family and co-workers the trouble and request donations to your personal online fundraising page instead of traditional gifts. A donation is a quick, easy and meaningful show of support.
• Teach children about the importance of giving. As a family, make a donation to your children’s aunt, uncle, sibling or friend who is participating in the MS Walk. Explain the importance that your contributions will make to supporting people affected by MS.
• Spread the word. As people look for ways to give back to their communities during the holiday season, make sure they’re aware of your mission. Add a link to your personal fundraising page to your email signature and advertise your progress toward your fundraising goal on your social networks.

Can you think of any other ideas about how to make the 2013 MS Walk part of your holiday celebrations? Tell us about them on Facebook or Twitter.

Winter walking safety tips

Walks in the crisp winter air and freshly fallen snow can bring a lot of joy, but also new challenges like icy sidewalks and paths, cold temperatures and deep banks of snow. The Canada Safety Council provides some good advice for winter walking. Here are a few highlights to keep in mind:

• Dress for the weather. Make sure you’re outfitted not only with a warm hat and well-insulated, non-slip boots, but also with any specialized safety equipment you might need, including:
• Ice grippers which you can attach to your boots
• A cane to help with balance – with an ice pick attached to the end
• A walker (if needed)
• A hip protector (a belt or pant with shields to protect the hips in case of fall)
• Reflective material attached to clothing to help motorists see you in dim light
• Be extra careful of slippery or icy surfaces:
• Keep walkways clear of ice and snow. Contact your landlord, city or local community services organization for help.
• Carry a small bag of grit, sand or even non-clumping cat litter with you as you walk, and sprinkle it on icy surfaces in your path.
• Ask a passerby for help if you must cross an icy surface.

Walking all winter long is a great way to have fun and stay fit, and will also make sure you’re prepared for the 2013 MS Walk season. For strategies to increase stability if you’re forced to walk across an icy surface and more valuable safety tips, read the full Canada Safety Council posting.

Listening to People Affected by MS survey now available

 

Earlier this month we told you about Listening to People Affected by MS, a new initiative that seeks to better understand the quality of life for those affected by MS. Through a poll, focus groups and a nationwide survey, we want to hear from you – people living with MS, awaiting diagnosis or friends, family and caregivers of people with MS – about the impact of multiple sclerosis on your quality of life.

 

The survey is now available online at mslistening.ca! When you have a few minutes, please take the time to fill out the survey and spread the word to family or friends who are also affected by MS. With your help, we can enrich our understanding and make improved mission-related decisions.

Setting your 2013 MS Walk fundraising goals

You’ve started to recruit your team, chosen a team name, and registered to participate. What’s next? Setting your individual and team goals.

The MS Walk is more fun when you and your teammates are working toward a specific goal or set of goals. Goals give you something to focus on and get excited about, plus a real sense of accomplishment when you meet your targets.

Your individual and/or team goals will vary, but here are some ideas to get you started.

• Aim for a specific fundraising amount. When you use our online fundraising system, you will be prompted to set an initial fundraising goal. For extra motivation, check out the fundraising rewards and prizes you can be eligible for at each fundraising level.
• Aim for a specific number of recruits. If you currently have three team members, why not aim for ten by event day? This will allow you to get to your fundraising goal sooner or take you to the next level of funds raised. Or if you’re an individual walker, why not challenge yourself to recruit two friends to give you some friendly fundraising competition?
• Aim for a specific number of donors. Rather than focusing on a specific dollar amount, you might instead try to reach out to as many of your friends, family members and colleagues as possible. Before you know it you’ll have met your fundraising goal.
• Complete a fundraising event. Successfully pull off a fun and creative fundraising event like a garage sale, pancake breakfast, bake sale or rubber duck race to give your fundraising goal that extra boost.

For a little extra challenge add new goals as you complete the ones you originally set. Once you have ten team members, why not try to make it fifteen? If you’ve already raised $125 to earn a free MS Walk t-shirt by January, why not go for $500 and add some great gift cards by May? The sky’s the limit if you work together with teammates, family, friends and colleagues!

Once you’ve set a goal, make a plan for how you will accomplish it. If it helps, assign certain team members certain responsibilities, or set monthly targets. Check in frequently over the coming months to make sure you’re on track to meet your goal, and to come up with new ideas and strategies. Don’t let event day sneak up on you and catch you unprepared!

What are your individual or team goals for the 2013 MS Walk, and how do you plan to accomplish them? Let us know in the comments below, or on Facebook or Twitter.

Research and treatment timeline: 30+ years of MS milestones

The recently released fall issue of MS Canada contains a timeline illustrating an amazing thirty years of MS research developments.

“While there is still a long way to go in understanding multiple sclerosis and finding a cure, we are pleased to look back on the important advancements that have been made to broaden our understanding of this complex disease and improve quality of life.”

You can find a detailed version of the timeline at mssociety.ca/researchtimeline.

Consider using the information to expand your MS knowledge and to educate friends, family and potential donors about the importance of your fundraising efforts in the upcoming 2013 MS Walk.

Thanking our top fundraisers at the Celebration of Champions

On the evening of November 9, we were joined by many of our top fundraisers from the 2012 MS Walk and 2012 MS Bike Tour at our annual Celebration of Champions dinner, held at Toronto’s Delta Chelsea hotel.

At the dinner we honoured many dedicated teams and individuals who worked tirelessly over the past year to raise money in support of those living with MS.

Thank you very much for your spectacular fundraising efforts. You can view photos from the event on our Flickr page.

On your marks, get set…GO!

The day you’ve been waiting for has finally arrived – online registration for the 2013 MS Walk is now open at mswalks.ca! Walks across Ontario will take place either May 5 or May 26 this year, so check the website for details on the event in your community and mark your calendars.

If you’ve already pre-registered you will receive a confirmation email soon, but it’s time for the rest of you to lace up for someone you love and make a difference in the lives of people affected by MS. Don’t let May sneak up on you - the earlier you start, the more momentum you’ll have by the time the big day arrives.

You can find lots of team-building and fundraising tips by exploring this blog. And don’t forget to spread the word to your family and friends by sharing our content on Facebook and Twitter, and using our social media tools.

Five spots for indoor walking

Though we all love to be in the fresh air as much as we can, sometimes Canada’s sub-zero temperatures, bitterly cold winds or knee-deep snowfalls keep us inside. With just a little creative thinking, however, it’s absolutely possible to enjoy a walk without risking frostbite.

Here are 5 ways to walk and stay warm. Add your own ideas in the comments!

1. The Gym – An indoor track at the gym is perhaps the most obvious choice. If you don’t have a membership, see if you can get a discounted rate through your school or workplace.
2. School or Community Centre – A cheaper alternative may be an indoor track which is open to the public at your local school or community centre.
3. The Mall – Want to do a little window shopping and stay fit at the same time? Malls are a comfortable, climate-controlled place to walk – with easy access to the washroom. Many shopping centres even open early for mall-walkers so they can get in a few laps before the shoppers arrive.
4. Tunnels and Skywalks – In urban areas, underground tunnels or elevated skywalks often connect popular buildings and destinations to help pedestrians get around. Explore these walking opportunities available in your area!
5. The Office – If all else fails, squeeze in some extra steps at work. Take the scenic route on your way back from your coffee break, or organize a lunchtime walk around the building with a group of colleagues – every little bit counts. Want a greater challenge? Skip the elevator and choose the stairs instead.

As we face a long, cold winter, it’s important to keep motivated and moving. On May 5 or May 26, walks will take place in 56 communities across Ontario – and we want you to be ready to join us! Online registration opens in just two days at mswalks.ca! 

 

Website for young people with a connection to MS

 

 

Have you checked out http://someonelikeme.ca/ or http://commemoi.ca/ recently? These websites feature blogs, forum posts and stories from young people (15-35) who live with or have a personal connection to multiple sclerosis.

Check out Loribelle’s recent post on the word “hope,” or Mike’s story of moving forward toward his goals despite obstacles. Questions and comments are always welcome, so join the community!

Get ready....registration opens soon!

Wow, it’s November already! Where did October go? Here at the MS Society we spent the month preparing for the 2013 MS Walk season, and are excited to announce that online registration will open November 15 at mswalks.ca.

By mid-November our website will be updated with details about the 2013 MS Walk in your community. If you haven’t already begun, it’s time to start thinking about recruiting your team, choosing your team name and organizing creative fundraisers. For more team tips, visit teamms.ca.

We’re excited about lacing up for someone we love, and we hope you are too! Spread the word to family and friends through our Facebook and Twitter pages, and stay tuned for more updates and tips.

We want to hear from you.

 

 

Here’s a new initiative that might be of interest to many of our readers.

From the newest edition of the MS Ontario newsletter:

Listening to People Affected by MS is a new initiative that seeks to better understand the quality of life for those affected by MS. Through a poll, focus groups and a nationwide survey, we want to hear from you – people living with MS, awaiting diagnosis or friends, family and caregivers of people with MS – about the impact of multiple sclerosis on your quality of life.

 

What are your priorities and needs in order to live well with MS? What are the barriers that prevent you from living a full life? What supports are most helpful, and what are your biggest worries? With your help, we can enrich our understanding and make improved mission-related decisions.

Visit mslistening.ca for more information and an FAQ. We look forward to hearing from you!

Welcome to the MS Walk!

 

This past weekend we had a great time meeting many of you at the National Women’s Show. Here are some introductory facts for those of you who are new to the MS Walk.

• The 22^nd annual MS Walk kicks-off MS Awareness Month in May 2013.
  
• Across Ontario, 20,000 participants in 56 communities will raise over $5 million to help fight MS.
  
• The MS Walk supports programs and services for those touched by MS in regions across Canada.

Visit mswalks.ca in mid-November to register for the event and for details about an MS Walk near you. Please also join us on Facebook and Twitter for event info, fundraising tips and other updates throughout the year.

Visit us at the National Women's Show!

If you're attending the National Women's Show this weekend make sure to stop by and see us at booth #207. If you pre-register for the 2013 MS Walk at the event you'll instantly win a coupon for a free meal from Mandarin restaurants and a pedometer AND be entered to win a glamorous gift basket valued at $125, including:

• AVEDA rosemary mint shampoo
• AVEDA rosemary mint conditioner
• AVEDA force control hair spray
• AVEDA damage control spray
• Speed Bumps: Flooring it through Hollywood by Teri Garr
• Debbie Macomber's Cedar Cove Cookbook
• MS Society pen with case
• MS Walk water bottle

See you there!

Win a free ticket to the National Women's Show!

We have 8 free National Women’s Show admission tickets to give away to members of our social media communities. From October 15-17, you can enter to win by liking a photo or sharing a tweet! Visit our Twitter or Facebook pages to find out how.

Want more prizes? Visit us at booth #207 during the show. When you register to participate in the 2013 MS Walk you’ll instantly win a pedometer, a coupon for a free meal at Mandarin Restaurant AND be entered to win a grand prize gift basket.

See you this weekend!

Thirteen great team names from the 2012 MS Walk

A couple of weeks ago, we encouraged you to start building your team for the 2013 MS Walk. Hopefully you’ve had a chance to start recruiting a group of dedicated and enthusiastic friends, family and co-workers to walk with you. But what will you call yourselves? A fun, clever or meaningful moniker can help build team spirit and is an easy way to identify yourselves during your fundraising efforts. Using your family, loved one’s or organization’s name is a classic choice, but some of our walkers take a different approach.

As inspiration, here’s a photo set of 13 great team names from last year’s event!

1.      Team Cakewalk

 

 

Two weeks until the National Women's Show!

We’re pleased to be attending the National Women’s Show again this year. Between October 19 and 21, you’ll find the MS Walk team at booth #207.

Register for the 2013 MS Walk at the National Women’s Show and you’ll receive a free meal coupon for Mandarin, a pedometer and be entered to win a grand prize.

We look forward to seeing you!

Our thanks

This weekend many Canadians will celebrate Thanksgiving, an opportunity to take a moment and appreciate the joys in their lives, both big and small. The MS Walk team is grateful – today and every day – for the participants, donors, sponsors and volunteers who contribute their time, energy, funds and resources to help us end MS.

What are you thankful for? Share in the comments below or on Facebook or Twitter.

We hope your weekend is full of family, friends and, of course, good food!

October is International Walk to School Month

Today marks the beginning of International Walk to School Month (IWALK), which was celebrated last year in over 40 countries around the world. Founded in Great Britain in 1994, the month aims to increase physical activity, raise concern for the environment and reduce traffic, noise and speed around schools.

You can find out how Ontarians can get involved with this month’s special events via SafeRoutesToSchool.ca, but why stop there? Keep walking throughout the year, students and non-students alike, and you’ll be more than ready for the 2013 MS Walk come May!

Start building your team for the 2013 MS Walk!

 

It’s that time of year already – time to start recruiting a team for your local 2013 MS Walk! The walk takes place on May 5 in most communities in Ontario and the more friends and family who join you that day, the better.  Working together to make a difference in the lives of people living with MS will be a fun and rewarding experience for your team.

Not sure how to start recruiting a team? Here are five tips:

·         Don’t be shy about asking friends, family, neighbours and colleagues to recruit their own family members and friends as part of the team. The MS Walk is a great opportunity to meet new people and get to know one another.

·         Build a team pyramid. Challenge each person who joins your team to recruit at least 3 other team members. If you start with only 3 team members, and they each recruit 3 more team members, and those people each recruit 3 new team members - you'll have 40 team members helping to raise money for those living with MS in your community!

·         At work, hold a kick-off lunch as a fundraising and team-building opportunity. Get other departments or offices involved for a little friendly competition.

·         Use online communities like Facebook and Twitter to promote your team. Create an event and invite your friends to attend or tag them in your 2013 MS Walk posts.

·         Use the MS Walk Social Media Tools to include a message asking friends to join your team in your email signature.

Encourage your friends and family to lace up for someone they love and share in the fun, laughter and memories of the 2013 MS Walk! Tell us about your own team recruitment tips and tricks in the comments or on Twitter or Facebook.

Autumn has arrived!

This past Saturday marked the official end of summer. The transition to the autumn season can be a lot of work as we close up our cottages, harvest the last of the summer vegetables in our gardens, or switch out our breezy summer clothes for the cozy sweaters packed away in the back of the closet.

Why not take some time for yourself, lace up, and go for a hike or stroll? Enjoy the last of summer’s warmth and watch out for some of the early signs of autumn. If you have the chance, snap a photo of the leaves turning colour or a squirrel gathering nuts for the winter and leave it in comments, or send it to us via Facebook or Twitter! We’d love to see you preparing for next year’s MS Walk.

And as you walk, remember: Pre-registration is now open for the 2013 MS Walk!

One month until the National Women's Show!

 

We’re pleased to be attending the National Women’s Show again this year. Between October 19 and 21 visit the MS Walk team at booth #207 to register for the 2013 MS Walk and the chance to win great prizes!

For more info, visit nationalwomenshow.com/toronto.

Good luck MS Bike Tour – Toronto participants!

This weekend, cyclists will be gearing up to end MS at the MS Bike Tour – Toronto. Good luck to all participants and thank you for your efforts in creating a future free of MS!

msbiketours.ca

Michelle De Vos: Dedicated MS Walk participant for over 22 years

Team NeuroFunk at the 2012 MS Walk

Michelle De Vos was diagnosed with MS when she was just 15 years old and has participated in the Oshawa-Whitby MS Walk for the past 22 years. Being diagnosed at such a young age, Michelle wanted to get involved with an organization where she could gain access to important information as well as help to raise awareness of this disease.

“For me it is important to show people that you can still live a full life even with this disease,” says Michelle. “Every year through our fundraising efforts we are closer to a cure. New and more advanced medicines are always being created to assist those living with the disease.”

Each year members of Michelle’s team, ‘Team NeuroFunk’, get together to fundraise. The day of the MS Walk the team shows up dressed in funky outfits, equipped with a mascot. “People are being diagnosed with MS a lot younger and you never know who it will affect. It is important to get involved in your community and help to raise awareness,” says Michelle.

Michelle and ‘Team NeuroFunk’ participated in the Oashawa-Whitby MS Walk again this year and raised a total of $12,161 – making them one of the top ten fundraising teams in 2012. Thank you to Michelle and her team for their amazing fundraising efforts.

Don’t forget… you can PRE-REGISTER for the 2013 MS Walk at http://bit.ly/L2jmzW !

Happy Long Weekend!

Labour day marks the unofficial end to summer so we hope you get the chance to get outside and enjoy the warm weather while it lasts. Have a safe and happy holiday weekend!

A&W Cruisin’ For a Cause raises $1.25 million!

Last Thursday, August 23, A&W locations across Canada took part in the A&W Cruisin’ for Cause Day, that saw $1 from each Teen Burger sold going to research and services for people living with MS. This year, $1.25 million was raised, surpassing last year’s total of $1 million. Thank you to all the dedicated A&W staff and to those who joined for the event for your efforts in creating a future free of MS.

cruisinforacause2012.ca

National Women's Show limited time offer!

The MS Walk is happy to once again have a booth at the National Women’s Show from October 19 to October 21. We hope that you can join us! On August 24 and August 25 ONLY, you can purchase two admission tickets for the price of $22!

 

Visit http://bit.ly/dn4jJm for more information and to take advantage of this limited time offer!

Good luck MS Bike Tour – Niagara participants!

This weekend, cyclists will be gearing up to end MS at the MS Bike Tour – Niagara. Good luck to all participants and thank you for your efforts in creating a future free of MS! msbiketours.ca

Only one short week until Cruisin’ for a Cause Day!

A&W Cruisin for a cause day is next Thursday August 23! Visit http://bit.ly/OmxqQt to read more and dont forget to RSVP to the Facebook event and tweet using #CruisinForACause!

Keep fit and have fun this summer by walking one of Ontario’s many hiking trails!

Tis the season for enjoying the great outdoors, and what better way to appreciate Mother Nature than to walk one of Ontario’s many trails. It’s a great way to exercise, have fun and prepare for the 2013 MS Walk! Whether you are looking to go out for a scenic afternoon stroll or a day-long hiking adventure with the family, there are countless trails throughout Ontario to choose from…some might even be located right in your backyard!

PRE-REGISTER for the 2013 MS Walk and get a head start by walking or hiking a trail that’s right for you! Check out ontariotrails.on.ca  for info about trails in your community!

Good luck MS Bike Tour – Ottawa participants!

This weekend, cyclists will be gearing up to end MS at the MS Bike Tour – Ottawa to Cornwall. Good luck to all participants and thank you for your efforts in creating a future free of MS!

Windsor local has made it her mission to support finding a cure for MS

Lindsay Thrasher- Gyori has been involved with the MS Society since she was seven years old, after her father Pat was diagnosed with MS.  Following Pat’s diagnosis, he made it his life’s mission to support finding a cure for this disease by becoming an active member of the MS Society and local chair of the Windsor Chapter.

In 2001 Pat passed away. However his leadership, devotion and passion for the cause extended beyond his life and encouraged Lindsay and her family to become active participants within the MS Society to support finding a cure for MS within their lifetime.

This year marked Lindsay’s 21^st year participating in the MS Walk. Her team, Pat’s Legs, was created after the passing of her father and is made up of close to 100 family members and friends. For Lindsay, the walk symbolizes the hope for a future without MS. “No person should be handed this card in life. We need to fight together and as a community to help find a cure.” said Lindsay.

2012 MS Walk Highlights ̶ 2012 Timmins MS Walk

In late May, Northern Ontario faced several devastating forest fires. A state of emergency was declared for the city of Timmins. The size of the fires and strong winds led to thick smoke, highway closures and the evacuation of nearby areas. However, this did not deter those in the Timmins community commited to the movement to end MS. On May 27, participants and volunteers made their way out to Gillies Lake for the 3^rd annual Timmins MS Walk. Through the support of local sponsors and members of the community the raised  over $12,000.

Good luck MS Bike Tour – Grand Bend to London participants!

This weekend, cyclists will be gearing up to end MS at Ontario’s largest Tour,  MS Bike Tour – Grand Bend to London. Good luck to all participants and thank you for your efforts in creating a future free of MS!

A & W Crusin' for a Cause Day is fast approaching!

Cruisin’ for a Cause is less than one month away! RSVP today http://on.fb.me/MFCLUB

2012 MS Walk Highlights - Oakville Cupcake Kick-off!

The Oakville MS Walk Committee hosted the first annual Cupcake Kick-off on March 31, 2012 to raise funds and awareness for the 2012 Oakville MS Walk. Setting up outside Garvey’s Fine Men’s Wear on Lakeshore in Downtown Oakville, the Oakville MS Walk organizing committee gave out cupcakes and brochures while accepting donations. The cupcakes were provided by Po Puff Expressions (popuffexpressions.com) and music by DJ Jim Lupo of Black Tie Entertainment.

The reception and support from the Oakville community was overwhelming. Over $700 was raised during the three hour event, with all proceeds going to the Oakville MS Walk. The money and support at the Cupcake Kick-off played a large role in another successful event, where more than 380 participants raised over $166,800 in support of those affected by MS.

Fundraising Prizes and Donation Tax Receipts!

Fundraising prizes are being mailed out! Everyone who donated $20 or more will automatically receive a tax receipt. Donors who submitted their pledges online were immediately issued a tax receipt by email. Donors who submitted their pledges via the participant pledge sheet will be mailed a tax receipt by the end of August.

Thank you all again for lacing up in 2012!

2012 MS Walk Highlights - Simcoe County Bus Tour

Residents of Simcoe County may have noticed a large decaled “MS Walk Bus” as it made its way across Simcoe County on March 24, 2012. On board the bus were several volunteers, participants and organizers of the Barrie, Orillia, New Tecumseth, Midland, and Collingwood MS Walks! The ”MS Walk Bus” stopped in each community where they met MS Walk participants and celebrated the upcoming MS Walks. Keep your eyes open for the bus next year as it may tour Simcoe County for the second year in a row!

St. Catharines woman raffles off a chance to fly high in the sky, to raise funds for MS.



Photo of Elizabeth taken from her blog

“Elizablog” http://www.lizzymcfly.com/

Elizabeth Murphy was diagnosed with MS in 2005. Although she suffers every day with the multiple symptoms brought on by this disease, she is determined not to let it stop her from doing the things she loves. An avid pilot, Elizabeth, who also goes by ‘Lizzy McFly’, flies above each of the Niagara Region MS Walks, taking place in St. Catharines, Niagara Falls and Welland, in her Cessna 150 Aerobat plane named Vyctor. “Flying overhead of the walks gives me such a rush when I see the crowds of people who have come out to support this cause. Seeing and meeting other people with the same illness, really gives me a great sense of community,” says Elizabeth.

Among her many efforts to raise money leading up to the MS Walk, including a fundraiser with former NHL hockey player Marcel Dionne, Elizabeth also raffled off flight giveaways, allowing those who donated a chance to fly with her. In 2011, she raised $5000. Elizabeth also writes a blog that follows her life and the challenges of living with MS.

Elizabeth raffled off a chance to fly with her again this year in order to raise funds for the thousands of Canadians suffering from this devastating disease. 

Thank you Elizabeth ‘Lizzy McFly” for your continued dedication to ending MS!