MONTREAL, Aug. 29, 2016 /CNW Telbec/ - More than 900 cyclists raised $1,180,000 during the Medavie Blue Cross MS Bike, which took place in the Mauricie region on August 27 and 28. Organized by the Quebec Division of the Multiple Sclerosis Society of Canada, this is the largest cycling-related fundraising event in North America.
The money raised will contribute to advances in medical research on MS and the development of services offered to people who have the disease. Canada has the highest rate of MS in the world, so it is crucial for researchers to be able to continue their work and find out how to cure this neurological disease, the cause of which is still not known.
Always a festive event!
New cyclists and long-time participants joined forces throughout the weekend. Together, they pedalled through the charming villages of the Mauricie region, sometimes keeping close to the St. Lawrence River, other times travelling on wooded trails. They were all pedalling toward the same objective and for the same cause. This is what drove them, as event spokesperson Valérie Chevalier confirmed: "MS Bike is an incredible event because everyone is riding in the same direction and for the same cause: to support MS research. Most of all, it's a very joyful, wholesome sporting event because there's no competition – there's just the fun of riding with your pals. It's a beautiful weekend spent surrounded by people who all have the same motivation: ending MS."
Thank you, Medavie Blue Cross
The 27th edition of the event would not have been such a success without the support of its title sponsor, Medavie Blue cross. The MS Society thanks the company warmly for its commitment and dedication and those of its employees, all year long. Their unceasing motivation is contributing to the advancement of research and to a future without MS.
About MS Bike
MS Bike is the biggest cycling fundraising event in North America; it has raised $17 million since it was created 27 years ago. Every year, more than 10,000 cyclists take part in one of the tours, organized from June to September across the country. To find out more, visit msbike.ca. The Medavie Blue Cross MS Bike is organized jointly with Vélo Québec Événements.
About multiple sclerosis (MS)
Canada has the highest rate of multiple sclerosis in the world. MS is a chronic, often disabling disease of the central nervous system comprising the brain, spinal cord and optic nerves. It is one of the most common neurological diseases affecting young adults in Canada. Most people with MS are diagnosed between the ages of 15 and 40, and the unpredictable effects of MS last for the rest of their lives. The Multiple Sclerosis Society of Canada funds research to find the cause and cure for this disease. It also provides services to people with MS and their families. Please visit mssociety.ca for more information.
https://mssociety.ca
https://www.facebook.com/SocieteSPCanada
SOURCE Multiple Sclerosis Society of Canada
Image with caption: "Saturday night, the MS Society of Canada, Quebec Division, announced that $1,180,000 were raised for the Medavie Blue Cross MS Bike! (CNW Group/Multiple Sclerosis Society of Canada)". Image available at: http://photos.newswire.ca/images/download/20160829_C3123_PHOTO_EN_761308.jpg
Soline Le Martret, Communications Coordinator, Multiple Sclerosis Society of Canada, Quebec Division, 514 849‑7591, ext. 2283, [email protected].
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