When you were a kid who was your favourite super hero? Batman? Superman? Wonder Woman?
No matter who it was, you always admired them for their determination and courage. These qualities are equally demonstrated by the estimated 75, 000 Canadians living with multiple sclerosis (MS), an unpredictable illness that affects vision, balance, memory and mobility. On top of that, three more people are diagnosed with MS every day.
On Sunday, April 26, 1,100 members of the community will be stepping outside to participate in this year’s 24th Annual Mandarin MS Walk.
I’ve been participating in this event for a few years now and it has always been an opportunity to catch up with family and friends, get some exercise and raise money and awareness for a deserving cause.
With all donations being invested into groundbreaking MS research and valuable services for families affected by MS, the event embellishes positivity, inspiration and hope for a future without MS.
The walk offers 3 km, 5 km and 10 km walking routes. For those looking for something a little more competitive, there will also be timed 5 km and 10 km runs.
With all the excitement this day brings you won’t even have the time to think about food. Luckily, you don’t have to! The event also offers a light breakfast and a barbeque lunch.
And your day doesn’t have to end when your walk is done! Stick around for more activities, like the MS kids area and visit the MS community village.
From Olympus to Krypton, this year’s walk is expecting appearances from a group of super-powered visitors prepared to walk. Participants from the community are also encouraged to come in costume. Mask, cape, running shoes and all!
Whether you’re in costume or walking attire, this year’s MS run will take us one step closer to ending MS.
Unable to participate on the day of the event, but still want to contribute?
Register as a Virtual Walker! This new feature is a way of contributing no matter where you are. Upon registering you’ll be set up with a fundraising page and then by simply doing your own walk or run, you are still qualified for all of the prize initiatives.
Why are you walking?