A&W Canada raised $1.56 million through its annual Burgers to Beat MS fundraiser this year, bringing the total raised through the 18-year partnership with MS Canada to nearly $25 million.
The fundraiser supports MS Canada programs and research aimed at improving support for Canadians affected by multiple sclerosis and advancing research into the disease.
A&W Canada said Burgers to Beat MS is MS Canada’s largest annual corporate fundraiser. Funds support programs for people living with MS as well as research focused on understanding the disease, halting its progression, developing treatments and improving early detection.
Canada has one of the highest rates of MS in the world, with approximately 12 people diagnosed each day, according to a news release.
“At its heart, Burgers to Beat MS is all about Canadians helping Canadians,” said Susan Senecal, President and CEO of A&W Food Services of Canada Inc. “Every year, Burgers to Beat MS shows us how much good we can achieve when we gather together as a community. Thank you to every Canadian who joined us, our incredible franchisees, team members and our guests who helped turn a simple burger run into a meaningful impact.”
MS Canada president and CEO Dr. Pamela Valentine said the partnership helps raise funds while bringing attention to people affected by the disease.
“MS affects all of us. Every two hours, someone in Canada is diagnosed. That is why partnerships like Burgers to Beat MS are so important. We bring Canadians together from coast to coast, rallying for one another, uplifting the voices of the MS community, and raising funds that support vital programming and groundbreaking MS research,” said Valentine. “We are deeply grateful to A&W Canada, its franchisees, team members, and the millions of Canadians who have supported this fundraiser over the past 18 years. Together, we are moving closer to a world free of MS.”
This year’s campaign included Olympic gold medallist and PWHL Vancouver Goldeneyes goaltender Kristen Campbell as an official spokesperson. Campbell shared the story of her mother, Janet Campbell, who has lived with MS for 27 years and experienced invisible symptoms while supporting her daughter’s hockey career.
“Becoming a Burgers to Beat MS spokesperson was my way of lending a voice to the MS community and raising vital funds and awareness for a cause so close to Canadian hearts,” said Kristen Campbell. “I’m truly blown away by how Canadians showed up with so much love and support. It is inspiring to see Canadians come together to rally behind a cause that means so much to countless families.”
Campbell’s participation also extended to local communities. On Aug. 20, aspiring female hockey players from her Elite Goaltending Hockey Camps gathered at neighbourhood A&W restaurants to support the fundraiser and Campbell. Her parents also joined family and friends at their local A&W restaurant in Brandon, Man., the release said.
A&W Canada said the fundraising campaign brings together its franchisees, employees and customers across the country in support of MS Canada.
The company describes itself as a 100 per cent Canadian-owned and operated business with more than 1,100 restaurants across the country.
MS Canada, which has operated for more than 75 years, provides support and advocacy for people living with and affected by MS and invests in research aimed at advancing treatment and care, understanding and halting disease progression and ultimately preventing the disease.
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