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Today is Burgers to Beat MS Day at A&W

Aug 16, 2018 | 2:00 PM

The A&W Burgers to Beat Multiple Sclerosis initiative first came to Saskatchewan in 2008, and is celebrating its 10th Anniversary today.

When asked how the annual celebration initially came about, Neil Farmer, Vice President of Operations for A&W Canada said that partnering with the MS Society of Canada seemed like a natural fit due to the high number of Canadians affected by the disease.

“We realized that the incident rate in Canada with MS is higher than most other countries in the world. We’re a wholly-owned Canadian company, and this seemed like the kind of cause we would like to support and help find a cure,” he said.

“This is a very, very big event on our calendar,” Farmer said. “I think anybody that you talk to at A&W would tell you that this is their absolute favorite day of the year, so it’s a really big deal.”

Farmer also said he is very pleased to see the response and traction the event has gained over the years.

Lisa Smith, Director of Developments for the MS Society in Saskatchewan said funds raised today will help find a cure, while also helping to improve the quality of life for those suffering from the disease.

“The money will go towards world-class research,” Lisa said. “It will also go towards programs and services and advocacy for people who live with MS, while bringing awareness to this disease that affects so many of us in the country and in our province.”

Smith continued on to say that the impact of fundraising efforts such as Burgers to Beat MS have helped see great, tangible improvements over the last number of years in the search to find a cure.

“Twenty-some years ago there were no drug-modifying therapies for people living with this disease; and now there are fourteen,” she said. “The therapies used to only be injectable, and only [designed] for one kind of MS; but now they even have oral applications for disease-modifying therapy.”

In addition to donating $2 from each Teen Burger sold today, A&W will also be donating $2 for every “like” or “share” given to the videos on their website today.

 

Martin.Martinson@jpbg.ca 

On Twitter: MartyMartyPxP1