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MS Walk raises money for Nanaimo programs

NANAIMO – Annual fundraiser takes place Sunday (May 24) at Maffeo Sutton Park.

More than 120 people are expected to participate in the annual Scotiabank MS Walk at Maffeo Sutton Park on Sunday (May 24).

Participants can choose one of three routes of three kilometres, 6km or 9 km. All routes are wheelchair accessible and dogs on leashes are welcome.

“We have an amazing group of people who participate in this walk annually,” said Ursula Weiss, special events coordinator for the MS Society’s central Island office, in a press release. “Some individuals have been taking part in our walk for many years and others are just starting their journeys.”

Participants have raised more than $600,000 in Nanaimo over the past 10 years of the fundraising walk so the society can provide local programs and services that enhance the lives of those affected by MS as well as leading edge research to find a cure.

Canada has one of the highest rates of MS in the world, with an estimated 100,000 Canadians living with the disease. Multiple Sclerosis is an unpredictable disease, affecting vision, hearing, memory, balance and mobility.

Walk registration begins at 8:30 a.m. or participants can register in advance at www.mswalks.ca or by calling 250-754-6321.

Participants receive a pledge package and access to online fundraising tools. Raise a minimum of $125 in pledges and receive a walk T-shirt and day of event lunch. Raise $250 or more and receive additional fundraising rewards or join the Mission First Club and receive a tax receipt for 10 per cent of the pledges raised.