A&W Canada says it will donate $2 from every Teen Burger sold across the country on Aug. 20 as part of its annual Burgers to Beat MS fundraising campaign, marking the 18th year of its partnership with MS Canada.
The company said the one-day initiative will apply to Teen Burgers purchased through dine-in, takeout, drive-thru and delivery, with proceeds supporting programs and research for Canadians affected by multiple sclerosis.
The campaign represents one of A&W’s long-running national charitable initiatives and builds on a partnership that began in 2008. The company said it has raised more than $23 million for the MS community through Burgers to Beat MS since the partnership was established.
According to a news release, the funds support programs including the MS Knowledge Network and peer support, while also contributing to research focused on understanding the disease, slowing its progression, developing treatments and improving early detection.
This year’s campaign also includes Olympic gold medallist and Professional Women’s Hockey League Vancouver Goldeneyes goaltender Kristen Campbell as the official media spokesperson. Campbell said her involvement reflects her family’s experience with the disease, noting her mother, Janet Campbell, has lived with multiple sclerosis for 27 years.
“My mom, Janet, is my biggest role model. The fact that her MS diagnosis has never stopped her from living a full, happy life shows just how far research and treatments have progressed,” said Campbell. “She has been my absolute anchor throughout my hockey career, always insisting on being in the stands for every practice and game, no matter what symptoms she’s facing. That’s why championing Burgers to Beat MS with A&W means so much to me. It’s an opportunity to rally Canadians behind a disease that affects every family differently, and a way to honour my mom for everything she’s given me.”
The release says Canada has one of the highest rates of multiple sclerosis in the world and that, on average, 12 Canadians receive a diagnosis each day.
Dr. Pamela Valentine, president and CEO of MS Canada, said the campaign continues to play an important role in supporting people living with the disease.
“With someone newly diagnosed approximately every two hours, MS touches families and communities from coast to coast,” said Valentine. “For nearly two decades, Burgers to Beat MS has had a remarkable impact on the lives of Canadians affected by MS. Deeply committed partners like A&W help us expand essential support and wellness programs, and advance breakthroughs in research that are changing how the world understands and treats the disease today, restore previously lost function, and prevent MS tomorrow.”
A&W president and CEO Susan Senecal said the fundraiser has grown substantially since it began as a local initiative by one of the company’s franchisees.
“Burgers to Beat MS started as a grassroots initiative by one of our franchisees, but through the support of our guests and franchisees, this day has become a beautiful symbol of Canadians helping Canadians,” said Senecal. “Over the 18 years of partnership, our franchisees and Canadians have shown us how coming together over a meal can make a massive difference. We are so thankful for the support that allows us to make a difference in our own communities. We look forward to welcoming everyone on August 20th who’s hungry to support a great cause!”
In addition to purchasing a Teen Burger on Aug. 20, A&W said Canadians can support MS Canada beginning immediately by rounding up their restaurant bill, making donations in restaurants, through the A&W mobile app, online, or by adding a donation to orders placed through Uber Eats, SkipTheDishes and DoorDash.
The company said group pre-orders for family gatherings and workplace lunches can also be arranged in advance for the Aug. 20 campaign.
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