BRACEBRIDGE — Organizers of the upcoming 2010 Multiple Sclerosis (MS) Walk have high hopes for this year’s event in Muskoka.
The walk is happening Sunday, April 18 at Monck Public School in Bracebridge. It will begin at 10 a.m.
Walk organizers are hoping as many people as possible will join the event and raise money for the cause.
Prizes exist for participants who reach their fundraising targets.
“The personal goal I’m aiming for this year is to raise $2,000,” said walk volunteer coordinator Kate Douglas. “If I do that I will become an ‘elite feet’ member. That means I will win a really attractive track suit.”
If a walker raises a minimum of $125, they will receive a free walk T-shirt, Douglas said.
Last year’s walk raised in the neighbourhood of $46,000.
Douglas suggests people and even businesses can have fun with the walk by challenging others to raise more than they do.
“It could be between real estate companies or between two computer companies,” she said. “We would really like to see that idea take off.”
Proceeds from the event will help with MS research.
An often disabling disease, MS attacks the central nervous system and can leave sufferers with a variety of symptoms affecting their ability to walk, talk and function as normal.
There is no known cause for the disease. Though recent breakthroughs in research have been promising, there is also no cure.
Fundraising walks like the upcoming one, however, help give hope to sufferers.
On walk day, there will be various walk options so participants of all athletic abilities can take part.
“We have five kilometre, seven kilometre and 10 kilometre walks happening,” said Douglas. “It’s open to everybody.”
Registrations can be made now via the MS Society’s website. Walkers can also register the day of the event, starting at 8:30 a.m.
Breakfast will be served for participants at the school.
“As well, bottled water, coffee and tea will be available,” Douglas said.
In 2008, the MS Muskoka Walk received a prestigious award from the MS Society of Canada for the highest percentage increase in revenue across Ontario.
“It was a 38 per cent increase over the previous year,” Douglas said.
Walkers are encouraged to register prior to the Tuesday before the walk. The MS Society tallies all the online pledges on that day to forecast a preliminary total for the event.
Douglas, however, said the public can still donate up until the end of June, when the final figures are tallied.
Those wishing to volunteer for the event can call Douglas at 705-385-1451 or email jandkdouglas@sympatico.ca.
To register early, people can visit the MS Society of Canada website located at www.mssociety.ca/en/events/scwalk/default.htm.