It was an evening filled with personal stories, plenty of applause and countless thank-yous, as supporters and staff with the Lakeland MS Society gathered to celebrate the local chapter’s impressive successes, March 16.
Canada is known to have some of the highest rates of MS in the world, which makes the cause a very personal one for many people. But, the Lakeland region is also known for something much more brag worthy – its ability to raise thousands of dollars each year, despite economic challenges and other unforeseen obstacles.
The St. Paul Walk, which takes place in May, is known across the country for raising the highest amount of funds, per capita. During the evening appreciation event on Thursday, a list of the top fundraisers was presented.
In 2016, a single dollar separated the first and second place top-fundraisers, with St. Paul’s Corinne Lotoski raising $16,416, and Bonnyville’s nine-year-old Griffin Purdy raising $16,415.
Both top fundraisers have a personal connection to the disease. Lotoski was diagnosed with the disease at a young age, and Griffin’s dad, James, was diagnosed not long after his son was born.
“It’s pretty incredible to know these people, living locally, are making such a difference,” said Brenda Rosychuk, Senior Coordinator, Programs, Services and Development with the Lakeland MS Society.
This year, four people qualified to take part in the Walk of Champions, which means they raised over $10,000 as individuals. Following Lotoski and Purdy as top fundraisers were Tracy Koluk, raising $15,250; Brad Williams, raising $11,141 and James Purdy, raising $3,860.
Lotoski was ranked 10th overall in Canada for her fundraising efforts.
A number of teams that participate in the MS Walk in St. Paul also posted some impressive numbers. When listing off the top five teams, Rosychuk made special mention of the St. Paul Fire Department’s team.
In 2016, the department did the 5km walk wearing their full fire fighting gear. It was “very inspiring,” said Rosychuk. “We’re very grateful for you guys.”
The top five teams in 2016 were: first - MS Ain't Purdy - $41,366; second MS Rockstars - $21,837; third SPFD Extinguishes MS - $12,944; Heartt’s Heroes $6,787; Hoofin' it for Laura - $6,385.
MS Ain’t Purdy finished third overall in the country for fundraising in 2016.
A list of local names was also acknowledged as nominees for the Alberta & NWT Division Awards in 2016, with Griffin Purdy the youngest nominated, for the junior merit award.
Rosychuk described how he is now the team captain for MS Ain’t Purdy, and began raising funds for MS, because of his dad’s diagnosis at the age of 26.
Griffin has found creative ways to fundraise, such as organizing a toy car show. He also attends the MS Bike Tour, despite being too young to compete. Instead, he waits for his dad at the finish line, and the two cross the line together.
She noted Griffin has said - “I used to walk to find a cure for my dad, but now I want to find a cure for everyone.”
“He truly believes in finding a cure,” said Rosychuk, adding, “He is a hero.”
Northern Regional director Johanna Green noted that last year, the St. Paul Walk raised about $145,000, a huge feat in an area feeling the impact of a downturn, and made special mention of Rosychuk and Lotoski, for all their effort and leadership in helping the society be successful. The money raised from the walk goes towards supporting people living with MS, who live in the Lakeland, as well as to research.
“Thank you for being part of the history of ending MS,” she told the crowd.
The 2017 Jayman BUILT MS Walk takes place in St. Paul on May 13.
