There are many marches that draw attention and raise funds for a number of different causes, but Estevan's MS Walk is of particular importance to Dave Seipp.
Seipp, the local MS Walk co-ordinator for the past decade, decided to get involved and organize the walk because of the diagnosis of his older brother. Last year, the local walk raised about $39,000 for the Multiple Sclerosis Society of Canada, which pledges the goal of curing MS.
To help, Seipp has laid out a goal of $45,000 for this year's walk.
Helping Seipp are all the walkers. He said the walk has been gradually growing year by year, and the attitude of the participants is a hopeful one.
"They're pretty excited, pretty pumped up by the day. We all hope to find a cure," said Seipp.
The May 27 walk begins and ends at the Souris Valley Aquatic and Leisure Centre. The paricipants will head to Wellock Road and then continue to St. Joseph's Hospital before heading back to the leisure centre for the post-walk activities.
Seipp also has some contingency plans in case of rain or any other form of inclement weather. That would be to move the walk into Spectra Place.
"People with families that have little kids, they don't want to walk out there," he said, so moving everything inside would be best.
When the walk is over, there is still plenty to do. Seipp noted there is a ceremony for individual as well as team prizes. A barbecue will be available as a prize.
There are a number of categories for prizes, like best costumes and most team spirit. Seipp said while he does a sweep of everyone there, the decisions on who wins don't rest wholly on his shoulders.
"I get some people to help me decide on those," he said, noting it's often some of the other volunteers.
Pre-registered walkers have been raising pledges for several weeks, but Seipp noted that those who wish to walk the day of the event can make a $20 pledge toward local fundraising efforts. He's received donations from businesses already, and as far as pre-walk fundraising goes, they are doing as well as previous years.
"I am sitting at the same place as last year. We're (raising pledges) at the same pace."
The walk is this Sunday with registration at noon, and the walk beginning around 1:15 p.m.
