Although there is no cure for Multiple Sclerosis (MS), one company is working to get closer to finding a solution.
On Aug. 22 $1 from the purchase of an A&W Teen Burger was donated the Multiple Sclerosis Society of Canada. The Cruisin’ for a Cause national fundraiser had more than 780 A&W restaurants taking part.
In Ponoka, owners of classic cars took part in a poker rally to support the cause and items were on sale to increase the proceeds. Also for sale were $1, $2 or $5 paper cutouts, which customers could put on the wall of the restaurant. Money from the cutouts went to increase donations. Drivers made their way from Lacombe to Ponoka to Rimbey and Blackfalds touring the restaurants.
Store manager Ervin Galler says staff are busier on this fundraiser day with customers coming in specifically to support the cause. “It’s just like Stampede.”
Workers were tired from the workload but enjoyed being part of the event. “It’s rewarding.”
He finds customers are appreciative of employees on this day and even though this was his first year managing the crew during the fundraiser, Galler enjoyed the spirit of the event.
“People just like what we’re doing for MS,” he said.
Donations have grown over the years and more than $3.4 million has been raised nationally in the last four years.
“We are thrilled at how this fundraising initiative has been embraced by all of A&W’s employees and burger fans across Canada,” said Paul Hollands, president and CEO of A&W Food Services in a press release.
According to the MS Society of Canada there are 100,000 Canadians living with the disabling disease.
“In five years, Cruisin’ for a Cause has made an incredible impact in the lives of Canadians living with MS from coast to coast,” said Yves Savoie, president and CEO of the MS Society of Canada in a press release.
On Aug. 23 Alberta and the Northwest Territories were in the lead with $233,750 dollars raised. Next was Ontario with $155,027; British Columbia and the Yukon, $116,104; Atlantic, $81,214; Quebec, $67,742; Manitoba, $38,534 and Saskatchewan with $23,101.