Carnation
Sales Generate over $1 million for Multiple Sclerosis Research
and Services
Announcement coincides with flurry of MS Awareness Month activities
TORONTO, May 26/2004 – The Multiple Sclerosis Society of Canada announced today that the MS Carnation Campaign raised $1.4 million dollars over Mother’s
Day weekend.
From May 5th to May 9th, thousands of volunteers in more than 280 communities across Canada observed MS Awareness Month by selling carnations on street corners, malls and other public spaces. Over its 28-year history, the campaign has raised over $38 million in support of the search to find a cure and to provide services for people who have MS, the most common neurological disease of young adults in Canada.
The MS Carnation Campaign was only one of several activities taking place during MS Awareness Month:
In a joint release with the MS Scientific Research Foundation, the MS Society of Canada announced the funding of a $4.3-million, cross-Canada study of the development of MS in children. The study will help researchers understand the disease at its onset and will benefit both children and adults with MS.
The Berlex Champions of Spirit recognition program honoured 10 people across Canada living with MS who lead extraordinary lives. A $2,000 donation was made in each of their names towards the fight against MS.
The MS Bequest Week campaign, taking place May 24-28, gives friends of the MS Society an opportunity to ask questions and learn more about estate planning and charitable giving.
In Ottawa, Burlington
MP Paddy Torsney spearheaded a campaign to have MP’s wear carnation boutonnières
during a recent question period. In addition, member statements
were made about MS Awareness Month in the House of Commons, the
Senate and in the Ontario, Alberta and BC legislatures.
“MS Awareness Month is a chance for all Canadians to learn more about MS and to thank donors, volunteers, researchers, politicians and corporations for their commitment to finding a cure,” said Ken Mayhew, national vice-president of fundraising for the MS Society of Canada. “We
know there is more to be done but increasingly, a cure is within
our reach.”
About the Multiple Sclerosis and the Multiple Sclerosis Society of Canada
Multiple sclerosis is a chronic, often disabling disease of the central nervous system. It is the most common neurological disease of young adults in Canada. Most people with MS are diagnosed between the ages of 15 and 40, and the unpredictable effects of MS last for the rest of their lives. The MS Society provides services to people with MS and their families and funds research to find the cause, prevention, treatment and cure for this disease.
For more information, please visit www.mssociety.ca or call 1-800-268-7582.
Contact Information:
Deanna Groetzinger
Vice-President, Communications
Multiple Sclerosis Society of Canada
(416) 967-3007 deanna.groetzinger@mssociety.ca
Stewart Wong
Senior Coordinator, National Event Marketing
Multiple Sclerosis Society of Canada
(416) 967-3025 stewart.wong@mssociety.ca
