The 2016 Scotiabank MS Walk took place on Sunday morning at Stuart Park and it was not only a huge success but a ton of fun.
MS is considered Canada's disease as 100,000 people in Canada suffer from MS and an average of 3 people per day are diagnosed with it. Hundreds of Kelowna locals laced up to show support for the people in the community as well as the country who battle this terrible illness. Prior to the walk, participants had the chance to raise funds to go towards research, programs and useful supplies like wheelchairs.
This event was more than just a walk. It was a way to come together and spend time outside with your family, supporting an important cause. There was a refreshment table equipped with nutritious snacks and drinks, as well as balloons and fire truck tours for the kids. Even dogs were able to come out and participate.
Aside from the activities the event also hosted some very inspirational speakers like Michelle Hewitt from the Board of Directors & Chair who lead a balloon release to honour those who had passed this last year from the complications of MS as well as a chant to motivate the participants to "End MS". Hewitt also had the privilege of presenting the Hero's Amoungst Us award to the Hogs Association for their support of the Okanagan chapter.
Chris Gaschnits, from the Kelowna Fire Department, presented a surprise donation of 500 dollars to the MS Society, Okanagan chapter. Councillor Mohini Singh also spoke of the hardships one endures while living with MS.
"I can't move forward if I don't have you," said Singh while thanking the participants for their support and hard work fundraising.
One team received the honour of leading the walk and holding the MS flags for being the top online fundraisers and that was team Holy, Fit!
The amount of support and care that was shown during this event was truly heart warming as smiles never left the faces of the participants. If you would like to donate to the MS Society, you can visit their web page.
For more photos of this fun event for a great cause, click here!
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