Media Advisory - You've got to move it

Join the movement and help us move forward!
The 4^th Annual Walk to Fight Arthritis, Sunday June 9, 2013

TORONTO, June 4, 2013 /CNW/ -

What:	Arthritis is the leading cause of disability in Canada, and costs an estimated $33 billion annually. Funding is urgently needed to turn the tide on the financial, social, and emotional costs of the disease, and to help the more than 4.6 million Canadians who live with arthritis.
	There's lots of ways to help and get involved:
	-		Walk with us!  You'll be walking 1km or 5km routes with hundreds of other people to help raise awareness about the impact of arthritis on people's lives, and to raise funds to support the work of The Arthritis Society. Funds raised support vital research into the treatment and prevention of arthritis, as well as the delivery of resources, programs and services for people living with arthritis.
	-		Take part in our flash mob "arthritis friendly dance" at the event -- learn the moves here: https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?v=149943085185160&set=vb.12417 9184297739&type=3&theater
	-		Find your groove in our MOVE IT studio during the Walk for a chance to be in our video
	-		Enter our contest for a chance to win great prizes https://www.facebook.com/#!/photo.php? fbid=472167176165603&set=a.332920790090243.68633.124179184297739&type=1&theater
	-		To register, donate, volunteer or fundraise, visit www.walktofightarthritis.ca.
When:	Sunday June 9, 2013
	9:00am      Event opens
	10:05am    "Flash mob" & opening ceremony
	10:30am    Walk Start (rain or shine)
	11:30am    Awards & Closing
Where:	Evergreen Brick Works, 550 Bayview Ave., Toronto
	Free parking is available on-site for participants.
	Shuttle Bus:  From Broadview Station beginning at 7:00am These buses will stop running at 10:30am and will start running again at 11:30 a.m. The last shuttle leaves the Evergreen Brick Works at 1:00 p.m.
Interview Opportunities:
	Janet Yale, President and CEO, The Arthritis Society
	Trevor Roberts, Executive Director, The Arthritis Society, Ontario Division
	Miriam Schacter,   Choreographer and dance-fitness teacher for people with movement differences
	Anthony Agati, 27, Arthritis Ambassador
	Sara Lebensold, 31, Arthritis Ambassador
	Siena Pacheco, 5, Arthritis Ambassador

ABOUT THE WALK TO FIGHT ARTHRITIS

The Walk to Fight Arthritis presented by the makers of TYLENOL^® is The Arthritis Society's signature annual fundraising event. The 4^th Annual Walk takes place on Sunday, June 9, 2013, in more than 30 communities across Canada, as well as on Sunday, June 2, 2013 in Saskatoon and Saturday, June 8, 2013 in Prince George.

In 2012, more than 7,200 Walk participants raised more than $1.5 million to support vital research into treatment and prevention, as well as the delivery of education resources, programs and services for people living with arthritis.

The Walk highlights the importance of staying active to help manage the disease and its symptoms.

In 2012, more than 7,200 Walk participants raised more than $1.5 million.  Funds raised support:

• Research to improve the quality of life for people living with arthritis
• Free educational materials and events for those living with arthritis and their networks
• Local programs and services to help people with arthritis become better informed about facing challenges and living well with arthritis
• Comprehensive, personalized assistance through the Arthritis Self-Management Program

ABOUT THE ARTHRITIS SOCIETY

The Arthritis Society is dedicated to a vision of living well while creating a future without arthritis. It is Canada's principal health charity providing education, programs and support to the over 4.6 million Canadians living with arthritis and their loved ones. Since it was founded in 1948, The Society has been the largest non-government funder of arthritis research in Canada by investing more than $180 million in projects that have led to breakthroughs in the diagnosis, treatment and care of people with arthritis. For more information, visit www.arthritis.ca.

 

 

 

SOURCE: The Arthritis Society - Ontario Division

and interviews, please contact:

Bev Jenkins
Tel:  [phone]
Email:  [email protected]

Penny Tantakis
Senior Manager, Marketing and Communications
The Arthritis Society
Tel:  [phone]
[email protected]