On Sunday, May 1, Mandarin MS Walk participants laced up across Ontario to raise $2.9 million for multiple sclerosis. The funds raised will be used for crucial research into the cause, treatment and cure of multiple sclerosis, as well as services for those affected by MS in their communities.
Toronto raised the most funds across the province, with a whopping total of $564,434.77 going towards the cause. Kitchener-Waterloo and Hamilton-Stoney Creek also made significant contributions, raising $172,900.23 and $166,056.88, respectively.
Canada has the highest rate of multiple sclerosis—a chronic, lifelong and often disabling disease of the central nervous system—in the world. Currently, it is one of the most common neurological diseases affecting young Canadian adults, with most patients getting their diagnosis between the ages of 15 and 40.
As a family-oriented, community-supported event, The MS Walk hopes to raise both funds and awareness for this pertinent cause. Over 60,000 participants and volunteers work to make this event a success in more than 160 communities across Canada. Each event location has routes of varying length and at least one route that is wheelchair accessible.
Additional Mandarin MS Walk events will be held on May 15, May 29, and June 5. For more information about this cause and a complete list of events across Canada, visit mswalks.ca.
