With just over a month until the MS Society’s signature fundraising event, the Drumheller Jayman Built MS Walk, the organization is facing historically low registration numbers, and is appealing to local residents to join the fight against MS. A target of 200 participants has been set for this years walk, but to date, just over 90 people are registered for the event, causing concern about how fundraising dollars could be impacted.

“We are asking the Drumheller community to step up and register for the walk so the MS Society can continue to provide services on the ground for Drumheller and the surrounding communities,” says Jennifer Pasiciel, Drumheller MS Walk Coordinator. “While we generally see a great response from the community in the last couple weeks leading up to the walk, we cannot rely on that last minute push, as it leaves little time for fundraising and the potential to raise money is greatly reduced,” adds Pasiciel. Dollars raised through the Drumheller MS Walk play a pivotal role in fueling local programs and services for families impacted by MS, and also contribute to Canadian MS research into improved MS treatments and the continued quest for a cure. “We’re striving to reach $60,000, and we believe that if the community answers our call to get involved now, we can meet that mark and continue providing the services and hope that local people living with this devastating disease deserve,” says Pasiciel.

The MS Society is encouraging people to consider getting involved in the walk as part of a team by rallying together with co-workers, family members, friends, and community groups. Individual registrations are also accepted. Registration can be done online at www.mswalks.ca or by calling the local Drumheller Chapter at 403-334-0374. The 2015 Jayman Built MS Walk is set for Sunday, May 3^rd at the Badlands Community Facility.

(l to r) PC Candidates for Drumheller-Stettler Ed Mah, Greg Jackson and Jack Hayden are in Drumheller Friday, March 20, to meet area residents.

The three candidates vying for the selection of Alberta’s Progressive Conservative representative for Drumheller-Stettler welcome area residents to drop by the Cretaceous Conference Centre at Drumheller’s Jurassic Inn. Ed Mah, Greg Jackson, and Jack Hayden will be speaking with residents at the candidates forum beginning 7 p.m. “ I just want to welcome everyone in Drumheller and area to the forum to meet the nominees and discuss the Drumheller-Stettler constituency future,” said Jackson. Mah said he appreciates the opportunity for people to take the time and allow the candidates to listen to their concerns, and Hayden notes the forum is a great opportunity for people to get out and ask questions of the three candidates, one of which could be the next MLA.

PC constituency members travel to Hanna Saturday, March 21, to choose their party’s candidate for the next provincial election, which some Wildrose Party members say could be called as early estimate April. Drumheller-Stettler MLA Rick Strankman is the Wildrose Official Opposition candidate for Alberta's 2015 provincial election.