ST. PAUL – Beneath blue skies, the emerald fairways of St. Paul Golf Course echoed with the clinks of irons, as golfers joined forces in a display of support at the St. Paul MS Tournament on Aug. 11.
The fundraiser tournament, with 40 competing teams, aimed to raise $10,000 for to help in the battle against Multiple Sclerosis. As of Aug. 13, the tournament had raised $18,300, according to the We Challenge MS website, surpassing its original goal.
While the weather may not have been sunny or ideal throughout the entire day, Brenda Rosychuk, Western Canada lead for MS Walk community fundraising, said it was still an “absolutely fantastic” day.
“We’re just so grateful that the weather gods have allowed us to all be able to golf today and to be completely dry so far.”
MS Canada, formerly MS Society of Canada, was founded in 1948, with the goal of raising money to support programs, services, and people living with MS, said Meredith Bongers, Senior Director, Community with MS Society of Western Canada, who made the drive to St. Paul from Edmonton.
MS Canada also partnered with Sesh, a mental health app earlier this year, to provide free “therapy and mental health supports for people diagnosed and living with MS,” said Bongers.
So far, the national organization has raised $214 million since its inception, said Bongers. In addition to that, “We have 101 research programs totaling $35 million across the country in investments.”
The Society also offers services and programs such as a peer support program, or a knowledge network with advisors helping people from their diagnosis of MS to what would be the next step, which would include guidance to a disability tax credit, said Bongers, listing examples.
“We wouldn’t be able to do that work without our partners, our sponsors, and more importantly, our communities,” she said. “The community of St. Paul is just incredible.”
She added, “The people’s hearts are so full. They come with the best intentions. They have such a great time and raise money for such an important cause, and we couldn’t be more grateful.”
It was a sentiment echoed by Rosychuk. “We’re just super grateful for all the support that we have in our community... [it’s] second to none.”
Rosychuk credited the event’s success as a “collaborative effort” with the community. She thanked Lakeland Brewing Company who was the title sponsor of the event, the 18 hole sponsors, and the dinner sponsor.
She also thanked the volunteers and the participants. “Our community has really stepped up.”
Bongers agreed, before encouraging people living with MS to reach out for support. “If you are out there and you do live with MS, or you know someone... and you need support – please don’t ever hesitate.”
