A&W's Cruisin' to End MS Day: On Thursday, August 21, take part in the movement to fight multiple sclerosis

For each Teen Burger^TM sold in Canada, $1 will the given to the MS Society of Canada

MONTRÉAL, Aug. 14, 2014 /CNW Telbec/ - The Multiple Sclerosis (MS) Society of Canada invites Quebecers to contribute to its annual fundraising and MS awareness campaign, which has been held for the past six years, in collaboration with A&W Food Services of Canada Inc. (TSE: AW.UN).

"A&W's Cruising to End MS Day is a 24-hour national campaign, said Louis Adam, Executive Director, MS Society, Quebec Division. It helps raise funds for multiple sclerosis research and services provided to those suffering from this disease, which affects nearly 100,000 Canadians, including about 20,000 Quebecers. On Thursday, August 21^st, Quebecers will have the opportunity to directly impact on the lives of those who live with this illness every day. One cause, one day, one event in one of A&W's many locations across the province!"

Here's how you can support the MS Society of Canada

On Thursday, August 21, A&W will give $1 to the MS Society of Canada for each Teen Burger^TM sold across the country. During this event, several participating A&W restaurants will also organize various fundraising activities, such as games, draws, raffles and even a visit from the Great Root Bear!

Internet and social media: post, confirm and donate! 

From now until August 21, 2014, Quebecers are invited to use their smartphones, tablets and computers to actively contribute to this campaign through the Internet and social:    

• Post a tweet on Twitter using the hashtag #CruisinForaCause, and A&W will give $1 to the MS Society of Canada*.
• Confirm your participation on the A&W Cruisin' to End MS Day Facebook page, and A&W will give $1 to the MS Society of Canada*.
  *Up to a total donation of $20,000.
• Make a donation at cruisintoendms.ca
• Buy a cut-out for $1 or drop off a donation in the specially marked boxes during your visit to any of Québec's 110 A&W locations.

"At A&W, we are honored to collaborate with the MS Society of Canada, said Paul Hollands, President and CEO of A&W Food Services Canada Inc. This year, we aim to exceed the amount we raised in 2013, a total of over $1.45 million in Canada, which represented an increase of more than 16% compared to 2012. A&W franchisees are looking forward to this day and hope to once again be able to count on their customers' generous support this year. We invite Quebecers to join us on August 21^st and take part in A&W's Cruisin' to End MS Day."

"Mr. A&W"

The involvement of both franchisees and Quebecers in this campaign will not go unnoticed. Indeed, the restaurant that raises the most funds will be visited by Alain, the face of the latest A&W ad campaigns, who will meet everyone to thank them personally for their exceptional contribution to A&W's Cruisin' to End MS Day.

Throughout the campaign, restaurants will raise funds through donations, cut-out sales ($1, $2 and $5) and other fundraising activities.

About multiple sclerosis and the MS Society of Canada
Multiple sclerosis is the most prevalent neurological illness among young adults across Canada. It generally manifests among people aged 15-40 and its unpredictable effects last a lifetime. Canada posts one of the world's highest multiple sclerosis incidence rates. Indeed, an estimated one out of every two Canadians knows someone suffering from MS, and nearly 100,000 Canadians are currently fighting this disease. The MS Society provides services to those suffering from MS and their families, and funds research to find the cause and a cure for this disease. For more information or to make a donation, please visit mssociety.ca or call 1 800 268-7582.

A&W Food Service of Canada Inc. is a purely Canadian company and one of the most recognized brands within the Canadian food service industry. A&W is the country's second largest hamburger restaurant chains, operating over 800 locations across Canada. A&W restaurants offer their famous menu, which includes the Burger Family^TM, Chubby Chicken^TM, A&W Root Beer^TM and the new Buddy Burgers^TM. For more information, visit aw.ca.

SOURCE: Multiple Sclerosis Society of Canada

For more information or to schedule an interview with spokespersons from the MS Society of Canada, Québec Division or A&W Food Services of Canada Inc., please contact: Christine Tourigny / Julie Camirand, Massy Forget Langlois Public Relations, [email protected] / [email protected], Office: 514 842-2455, ext.21 / 28, Cell.: 514 743-9048; Jeanne Sanchez-Bradley, Multiple Sclerosis Society of Canada, Quebec Division, [email protected], 514 849-7591, ext. 2245