The 21st Jayman BUILT MS WALK was a success, says fund development coordinator Tammy Klotz. More than $66,000 was raised for the local chapter of the MS Society of Canada through a walk at Bud Miller Park on Saturday, May 4.
The walk saw the support of 332 participants and 37 registered teams, some of whom have been walking in the local fundraiser since its inception. Guest speakers also shared their experience of being diagnosed with MS. The powerful event brought together the community in support of the MS Society. While revenue and participation are down compared to previous years, Klotz says the walk was a great success and shows the community’s priorities.
“Absolutely, it was a success. Even being able to have the walk, and people coming out and continuing to participate in that, and be part of that, that’s a huge success,” says Klotz.
A portion of the funding will be put into local programs, services and advocacy for those living with MS. The rest of the money will go towards Canadian research into a cure for MS. The walk was also Klotz’s first with the local MS Society chapter; she’s been in her position for only a few months and is thankful for how the community came together.
“It was really good, really exciting. It’s a very powerful day, and interesting to see how people really just come together. It’s very humbling.”