‘Burgers to Beat MS’ Fundraiser Opens Across Canada on Aug. 19

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by Somi Igbene, PhD |

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“Burgers to Beat MS,” A&W Canada‘s annual fundraiser to support the MS Society of Canada and people with multiple sclerosis (MS), returns for its 13th year on Thursday, Aug. 19, aiming to raise over $1.5 million.

Canada has one of the highest MS rates globally, with more than 90,000 residents living with the disorder.

Money raised in the annual campaign goes to support the MS Society of Canada, which offers a variety of services to patients, caregivers and affected families, and funds research into MS treatments and patient needs.

Specifically, A&W Canada on Aug. 19 will donate CA$2 to the society from every Teen Burger sold that day at its drive-thru services, via take-out or the A&W mobile app, at restaurants in select regions, or delivered by its partners Uber Eats, DoorDash, and SkipTheDishes.

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In advance of that date, people can also support the campaign by rounding up bills with any A&W purchase, by making an online donation at BurgersToBeatMS.ca, or by adding a donation when ordering through its mobile app.

“Burgers to Beat MS is a campaign that brings communities together for a cause that means so much to all of us at A&W. This will be the 13th anniversary, and we want to continue the momentum of raising awareness and important funds for the MS Society,” Susan Senecal, president and CEO, A&W Food Services of Canada, said in a press release.

For the fifth consecutive year, Christine Sinclair  — a four-time Olympian and captain of the Canadian women’s national soccer team, whose mother has MS — will lead the fundraising event.

“This is my fifth year participating in the Burgers to Beat MS campaign, and each year I am so touched by how many Canadians come together to support a cause so close to my heart,” Sinclair said.

“Coming from a family that has been impacted by MS, I know first-hand the daily toll this can take on someone living with the disease and why this fundraising initiative is so important. Together, we can make a difference for people, like my mom, who live with MS and who need support now,” she added.

Due to COVID restrictions, in-store celebrations in local communities and restaurants may be limited, A&W Canada noted. People are encouraged to participate from the safety of their homes and cars.

“MS impacts all Canadians, not just the people who live with it — their family, their friends, and their community are all touched by this disease. Funds raised through Burgers to Beat MS allow the MS society to support research and services that are fundamental to changing lives,” said Pamela Valentine, president and CEO of the MS Society of Canada.

“Our partnership with A&W over the years has helped us in supporting communities affected by MS. We encourage all Canadians to buy a Teen Burger on Burgers to Beat MS Day and help bring us one step closer to a world free of MS,” Valentine added.

If this year’s event brings in $1.5 million as expected, the total raised over the last 13 years through this campaign will be of more than $17 million in support of the MS Society.