ST. PAUL - The St. Paul Jayman BUILT MS Walk was back in action and in-person after two years of virtual events. With a goal of $50,000 set for the walk, early estimates show that goal has been exceeded.
According to the MS Society's website, the St. Paul walk has raised over $51,200.
The mood on Sunday morning outside the St. Paul Rec. Centre was celebratory. Kicking off the 5 km walk, a few local dignitaries took to the podium to thank those who have supported the MS Society's efforts.
Town of St. Paul Maureen Miller specifically thanked Brenda Rosychuk, Western Canada Lead, Community Fundraising with the MS Society of Canada. Rosychuk is located in St. Paul, and has been helping lead the cause locally for a number of years.
"I want to thank Brenda for her incredible commitment," said Miller, adding, "I don't know many communities with leaders such as Brenda."
Thanking fundraisers and volunteers for their support, Miller was hopeful that one day, "we will end (MS)."
Bonnyville-Cold Lake-St. Paul MLA David Hanson was also in attendance. He acknowledged that non-profits such as the MS Society have been hit hard by the challenges brought on by the pandemic.
"Thank you for hanging in there," said Hanson. He encouraged supporters to "dig deep" and continue to support "our communities."
Rosychuk also took a moment to address the crowd.
"Being here in person with all of you today, honestly, my heart is so big," said Rosychuk, acknowledging that it had been an emotional time leading up to the walk.
She described the sponsors, donors, and volunteers of the walk as the "hear beat of who we are."
She added, "Because of you, we are moving forward to end this devastating disease."
As of Sunday morning, over $3 million had been raised at walks across Canada for the MS Society. The national organization was still hoping to reach its goal of $4 million within the next four weeks.
Also in attendance at Sunday's walk was Bonnyville's James Purdy. Team MS Ain't Purdy has raised over $35,000 this year alone for the MS Society. The team is made up of James, along with his family and friends. His daughter, Stella Purdy, is the current team leader. In the past, his son, Griffin Purdy, has also been a team leader and top fundraiser.
The team has hosted unique events to raise funds for the MS Society, such as a skijoring event this past winter in Cold Lake that raised $20,000 alone. Since the team was formed in 2009, members have raised over half a million dollars.
"Community is what matters," said James, who was diagnosed with MS in 2008. "We support each other. We care for each other. And we lift each other up."
With ideal weather, and the support of the community, participants then began their 5 km trek through St. Paul in support of those battling MS.
