The MS Walk, one of Drumheller’s most supported charity events, will be held again on Sunday, May 1 but organizers say this year’s registration numbers are significantly down from previous years.
“It’s a trend we are seeing amongst all the walks,” said MS Walk coordinator Calan Edgar. “Registration numbers are down not just in Drumheller but all throughout Alberta.”
As of Monday 55 walkers and 15 teams are registered in Drumheller’s event, with donations sitting at $4,500 with a goal of $61,500. Last year’s event saw 200 people participating and they raised over $60,000. The current top online teams are Frank Laslo’s team ($1,525), Stand By Me ($1,384), and the Johnston’s ($345).
“We understand we’re in difficult times with the economy and some people are a bit apprehensive about asking for donations, but we are trying to remind our participants that there’s no registration fee or minimal amount required to fundraise,” said Edgar. “So even if you come out and walk with us it is still giving us a lot of support in bringing our community together. The walks in Drumheller have blown us away with community support, so we want to re-create that atmosphere again.”
Last year was one of the highest years in Drumheller regarding walker numbers.
The MS Walk is Boston Pizza’s Community Partner for April and BP’s will be inviting guests to round up their bill to provide donations for the entire month, as well as offering a $10 lunch combo of an individual pizza and pop, with a dollar going towards the walk.
In running this fundraiser Boston Pizza is also supporting one of their employees who was diagnosed with MS. Restaurant server Carly Wilson of Morrin was diagnosed in 2014 and will be participating with her team “Carly’s Cuties” in the walk this year.
“It was a hard pill to swallow, but it is what it is and you can’t do much about it other than keep a positive attitude and believe it will be ok in the end,” said Wilson. “It means a whole lot to know that my BP’s family has my back.”
The MS Walk in Drumheller is scheduled to start Sunday, May 1 at 9:30 a.m. at the Badlands Community Facility. Route Lengths are 1km, 4km, 5.8km, and 10km. Walkers and teams can register at mswalks.ca, and following the event may be easily done by liking the Drumheller specific MS Walks Facebook page.
