FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Multiple Sclerosis Society of Canada
champions MS Awareness Month
Ultimate goal for national charity
is to end MS
Toronto, May 1, 2007 – Canada
has one of the highest rates of MS in the world and women are
diagnosed with the disease
three times
more frequently than men. These are two stark facts that serve
as motivation for those who work to end the disease.
“It is with some humility that we acknowledge Canada as being a
country with high prevalence of MS,” says Yves Savoie, president
and chief executive of the MS Society of Canada and president of the MS
Society, Ontario Division. “However, it is with great pride that
I say that Canada is a world-wide leader in MS research and tens of thousands
of Canadians are committed to ending MS in as short a time as possible.”
During May, MS Awareness Month, volunteers from around the country are
taking part in fundraising events like the MS Carnation Campaign. Every
year during the lead-up to Mother’s Day, carnations are sold in
over 280 public spaces to generate awareness of MS and raise funds for
the cause. The campaign kicks off with a boutonnière-pinning event
with MPs on Parliament Hill on May 9.
Meanwhile, the Super Cities WALK for MS, a community walk program in
160 locations across Canada, continues in Atlantic Canada as well as parts
of Alberta, Manitoba, Ontario and Saskatchewan. Last year, the walk events
raised over $12 million nationally and organizers are hoping for more
this year.
“The MS Society is at the centre of a community of impassioned,
dedicated and active people focused on improving lives for people affected
by MS,” says Savoie. “With this support, we are able to transform
funds raised into life-changing MS research and services.”
Other national events include:
-
The annual MS Bequest Week takes place the last week of May.
Canadians can learn more about financial planning and how to
make a lasting legacy to end MS by calling 1-866-MS WILLS.
-
Home
hardware retailer, RONA, will be selling paper “Keys to a Cure” at
store cash registers in Quebec, Ontario, Manitoba, Saskatchewan,
Alberta and BC. Proceeds will be donated to the MS Society.
-
A
series of MS awareness posters and
ads has been released
on www.mssociety.ca for use by both the media and the general
public.
“MS Awareness Month is an opportunity to reflect on the many lives
that are affected by MS,” says Savoie. “It reminds all who
are involved in the cause – researchers, volunteers, clients, employees
and family members – that our resolve cannot waver. We need to fund
research and provide services so we can continue to help those
living with MS today while we work toward an MS-free future.”
For more information on multiple sclerosis or how to get involved with
MS Awareness Month, please call 1-800-268-7582 or visit www.mssociety.ca.
Contact information:
Stewart Wong
National Manager, Media Relations
Multiple Sclerosis Society of Canada
Phone: 416-967-3025
stewart.wong@mssociety.ca
-30-
 |
