The annual Enerflex Lakeland MS Walk was another big success with around 400 people walking or running in support of people with MS in St. Paul on Saturday.
Supporters raised around $167,000 for MS research and client services.
St. Paul Mayor Glenn Andersen with Coun. Ken Kwiatkowski and mayors of the Town of Bonnyville, Elk Point, and the City of Cold Lake led the way at the start of the walk.
Mayors also showed support by wearing weights around their legs and thick plastic glasses to simulate some of the symptoms of MS for part of the walk.
Bonnyville Mayor Ernie Isley said he turned in $10,150 this year, more than the $7,200 he raised last year. Isley received $4,000 from Osum Oil Sands Corp and raised the rest “on the streets of Bonnyville,” with the smallest donation at $10 and the biggest at $500. A lot of people in Bonnyville donated $20 to $100, he said. Businesses were more generous this year than last, he added.
“Once I get started, I enjoy soliciting funds,” said Isley. Raising money for MS gave him a reason to approach business owners to talk about town issues, he said. It would be embarrassing to have your council have to host the other councils, Isley pitched to business owners.
He estimated Bonnyville council’s total at $18,000 to $20,000. The council hosted a beef and bun night at the Wetlander in Bonnyville and a barbecue. Isley wants organizers to consider holding the walk in Bonnyville next year.
But Isley doubted that his team could have beat James Purdy’s team from Bonnyville and Elk Point, MS Ain’t Purdy. “He’s a real hustler and he’s got a big team, and a lot of family support. But we keep chopping at his heels,” said Isley.
“I was overwhelmed,” said St. Paul Coun. Don Padlesky after the walk. “I couldn’t believe how well organized it was and the amount of people that were attending it.”
The Town of St. Paul council donated $1,000 and the use of the Rec Centre, but it was not enough to win in the competition among regional municipalities to see which could raise the most. Estimated fundraising totals available at press time showed Bonnyville council in the lead with the St. Paul council raising the smallest amount. The losing council will pay up by hosting the other councils for a golf tournament and barbecue.
“We’re taking it with a grain of salt,” said Andersen. “The goal of it is to raise awareness and improve the quality of life for those affected with MS.”
Elk Point Mayor Parrish Tung credited the Elk Point High School’s staff encouraging students to join the team. He estimated a total of around $2,000 or more. Parrish emailed his friends asking to donate.
Three Cold Lake councillors ran, Kelvin Plain, Bob Buckle, and Darrell MacDonald. Eleven members of city staff and council attended the walk. Mayor Craig Copeland estimated the amount raised at around $4,000 to $5,000.
Around 30 people chose to run the half marathon, marking the first year of the run being held with the walk.
The MS Society recognized the chair of the Lakeland Regional Advisory Council, Sherry Bower-Gagne, for her work with the organization with an award of merit. “She has devoted countless hours of her time. Sherry is a passionate caring individual who puts the needs of those with MS first,” said organizer Gail Plouffe in an email.
