Former City Councilor and unabashed Prince George advocate Glen “Moose” Scott takes part in MS fundraiser. Photo 250News

Prince George, B.C. – Participants in this year’s Scotiabank MS Walk took to Fort George Park on Sunday as they joined counterparts from across the county in the MS Society’s largest event fundraiser.

Volunteer Sandy Stibrany, who oversaw registrations and the money side of the event, told 250 News that even before the 2.25 kilometre walk began, early donations consisting of money handed in at the society office and online amounted to $20,897, well over halfway toward the event goal of $37,000.

People in the park heard that one-hundred-thousand Canadians have MS and every day an average of three new people have the disease.  In 2014 more than $1.12 million was raised in the fight against MS.  Fundraising supports the services the MS Society provides and goes into research for a cure.

Prince George-Valemount MLA Shirley Bond, who has a close friend with MS, notes that with one-hundred-thousand Canadians stricken by the disease “we are one of the worst countries in the world in terms of MS, so we all have to do our part.”  Bond added “it is fantastic to see the Prince George Cougars here today and the Cariboo Cougars are also represented so I think that speaks volumes when we see our teams stepping up and saying, we’re going to make a difference in the community.  Great job Cougars!”

She concluded by telling the crowd “you’re making a difference today.  When you make that little trek it’s hardly a thing compared to what families go through so, enjoy your walk, let’s raise some money, most importantly let’s keep doing research so that we can bring an end to MS in Canada.”

The chair of the Prince George chapter of the MS Society of Canada, Alison Porter, says more than 80 percent of the money the society receives comes through donations and fundraisers, every attempt is made at dividing the funds equally between research and direct client services and money raised through the walk for client services remains in this community “to assist our neighbours, friends and families in need of support because of this disease.”

She encourages people to sign up with the society.  “For a very small contribution of $10 a year these membership numbers support application processes for funding of equipment supports to clients in this community.”

Sandy Stibrany tells us that in total to date, the Walk raised $30,530.  However the fundraising goal of $37,000 is expected to be met with the addition of monies not yet tallied, including funds from events in other area towns which will be added to the Prince George pot.  Stibrany also says a total of 170 people registered to walk.

The top three teams and individuals in terms of money raised are:

TEAMS

1.  Walk a Mile in Our Shoes    $4,999.12

2.  Spruce Credit Union Striders $4,685

3.  Brown Bombers    $3,650

INDIVIDUALS

1.  Leona Janot    $7,505

2.  Glen Scott      $4,290

3.  Courtney Deley  $2,594.12