MS supporters from across southern Vancouver Island are lacing up their walking shoes in anticipation of the annual Victoria Scotiabank MS Walk at Willows Beach Park, April 17.
Not only does the walk generate funding for research and programs for those living with multiple sclerosis, but it also generates a huge feeling of support and camaraderie in the community — individuals walking together toward a cure.
“It is more important than ever to stay informed and connected. Money raised at the Scotiabank MS Walk is part of this, so I encourage you to get out and join us at this year’s MS Walk,” explains one participant.
With record-breaking crowds and a fundraising total that surpassed all previous efforts, last year’s Victoria walk raised an incredible $179,000. More than 680 participants and 160 volunteers came out to support the walk in Victoria.
“On behalf of the MS Society of Canada, thank you to the participants, volunteers and sponsors for making this a very successful walk,” Todd Abercrombie, Executive Director of the MS Society of Canada, South Vancouver Island Chapter, told the crowd in 2010. “Each person on site today made sure that every step mattered.”
A one-day event with routes of varying lengths, at least one of which is wheelchair accessible, the Scotiabank MS Walk is the largest national fundraising program for the MS Society of Canada.
With the money raised at the walk and other fundraisers, the MS Society supports research into various treatments and one day, a cure. For example, the Society has committed $1 million toward an anticipated pan-Canadian therapeutic trial on CCSVI — chronic cerebro-spinal venous insufficiency, where the venous system is not able to efficiently remove blood from the central nervous system, related to narrowing of small venous structures in the neck, chest and spine.
The MS Society of Canada is the largest funder of MS research in Canada and the only organization providing emotional and practical support and services to Canadians living with MS and their families.
The society also advocates on issues related to living with the disease, including caregiver support, income security and appropriate housing for people living with MS.
A full 95 per cent of all the MS Society’s revenue for its operation, support and services and research funding is raised in communities like Greater Victoria through events like the Scotiabank MS Walk and the Rona MS Bike Tour.
For more information or to register for the April 17 walk, please visit www.mswalks.ca or call the South Vancouver Island office at 250-388-6496. For more information about CCSVI, visit www.mssociety.ca/ccsvi
