A&W locations across Canada participated in its annual campaign Burgers to Beat MS on August 24. Assiniboia’s A&W location also took part in the Multiple Sclerosis fundraiser for the first time, said Rod Rodil, A&W Assiniboia manager.
Since 2009, this campaign has raised more than $9 million to support world-class MS research, programs and services that aim to improve quality of life for Canadians living with the disease.
As part of the campaign, $2 from every Teen Burger sold was donated to the Multiple Sclerosis Society of Canada. Rodil explained that once the donations are tallied at the end of the campaign, he will post the numbers on posters at the store. He added that Assiniboia’s A&W also collected donations for the campaign with a donation mug on the counter, and customers could also round up their bill to purchase $1, $2 and $5 paper cut-outs. The store also featured a raffle draw of a stuffed Root Bear and a gift basket.
The campaign is close to the heart of Saskatchewan residents. Saskatchewan and the Western Prairies have the highest incidents of MS in the country, and Canada has the highest rates in the world.
It’s estimated that between 3,500 to 3,700 Saskatchewan residents have Multiple Sclerosis. MS is one of the most common neurological diseases among young adults in the country. Most people with MS are diagnosed between the ages of 15 and 40. They live with the unpredictable effects of the disease for the rest of their lives.
Multiple Sclerosis is a disease that attacks the central nervous system, and affecting vision, memory, balance and mobility. The cause of this often-disabling disease is still not known. The MS Society offers programs and services for people with MS and their families. It is affiliated with the MS Scientific Research Foundation, one of the largest funders of MS research globally.
This year the A&W campaign has on board two-time Olympic bronze medalist and Canadian women’s national soccer team captain Christine Sinclair. Her mother, Sandi, lives with MS. Sinclair will share her story and meet staff and guests at A&W restaurants across the country during the campaign.
