This year's local fundraising efforts surpassed last year's total by more than double the amount. (Elliott Knopp/meadowlakeNOW staff)

By Elliott Knopp

Burgers to Beat MS

Meadow Lake raises nearly $1,800 for MS research

Sep 3, 2021 | 5:01 PM

A day meant to be enjoyed by communities across Canada while raising money for those in need received overwhelming support from residents in Meadow Lake.

In mid-August, the local A&W franchise hosted its Burgers to Beat MS Day, an occasion that serves to raise money for multiple sclerosis (MS) research by taking $2 from the purchase of every teen burger sold that day.

The fast food restaurant saw many hungry customers stop by to show their support, raising just under $1,800. The figure eclipsed last year’s total by more than double the amount.

Restaurant Manager Flora Krause noted the location received much more support than the previous year, which she believes was heavily affected by the initial presence of COVID-19.

“It makes a big difference to have dine-in available,” she said. “You’re not trying to rush everyone through the drive thru, and you have time to ask them if they’d like to make a donation.”

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The fundraising effort from the community of Meadow Lake played an important role in helping the fast food chain beat last year’s national fundraising total as well. Locations across Canada raised a grand total of $1.4-million. In the 13 years the event has run, more than $17.4-million has been donated to MS research.

According to the MS Society of Canada, Canada holds one of the highest national rates of MS in the world with an estimated 90,000 Canadians living with the condition. It is also stated nearly 12 Canadians are diagnosed with MS every day.

Krause spoke on having the opportunity to help contribute toward finding a solution to the disease, highlighting one customer with the condition who has participated in the day each year. She explained having that interaction adds a personal element that makes the occasion feel different than a typical work day.

“She comes every year and brings her whole family for supper,” she said. “It’s nice to mingle with them every year, and seeing the support is really nice.”

The MS Society of Canada states women are three times more likely to be diagnosed with MS. Nearly 75 per cent of all people living with the disease are women, and they are typically diagnosed between the ages of 20 to 49.

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elliott.knopp@pattisonmedia.com

On Twitter: @ElliottKnopp