The Vernon MS Society 14th annual Walk/Run/Ride hits the paths in Polson Park April 29.
“People can do any distance they want and we are having a silent auction for the first time this year,” said Rene Gendron of the Vernon MS Society.
The event is also an opportunity for other organizations to get pledges and take part, keeping half of what is raised and giving the other half to the MS Society. Participants can take part only to raise money for the society and all money raised is used to help people locally.
“We are able to help people with MS with things that make a difference to their quality of life, like help with cleaning house or yard work. We also help with things like wheelchairs, scooters, walkers, commodes and lifts, whatever a person needs,” said Gendron, who has MS.
“We also have the office open for people to come in and talk and get information when they are diagnosed or whenever they want to. Everyone is different but there are similarities. When I was first diagnosed, I didn’t come to the office for five years. I just kept thinking that it wasn’t happening to me, but we are here for people.”
The Vernon MS Society office, in The People Place, is open Monday, Thursday and Friday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. and Tuesday from 9 a.m. to noon. There are meetings on the second and fourth Wednesdays of each month. The office has a library and use of a computer, as well as peer counselors available.
Gendron appreciates the community support from individuals and other participants. He points out that one year Silver Star elementary school raised $8,000 with a walk in their school grounds and kept only 10 per cent, giving the rest to the MS Society. Other schools have used the walk as a way to do community service and raise money for grad and field trips.
“People come back year after year to help us and we use the money to help people with MS,” he said.
This year’s Walk/Run/Ride takes place April 29 at Polson Park with registration, children’s activities, coffee and the silent auction starting at 10 a.m. and the walk starting at 11 a.m.
Participants, sports teams, schools, clubs and other organizations can get more information and register by calling 250-542-2241 or online at www.vernonms.ca.
