Register for Ski for MS and you could find yourself skiing or snowboarding for free.
Ski for MS, a fundraiser for the Multiple Sclerosis Society of Canada 鈥� North Vancouver Island Chapter, will take place at Mount Washington Alpine Resort on Jan. 30.
Funds raised at this event will be used to provide programs and services for people affected by MS on North Vancouver Island and for research to find a cure for MS.
Register online at www.mssociety.ca/msfundraising or call 250-339-0819 and join in for what promises to be an inspiring, energetic day on the slopes.
There are some great events planned, including a challenging obstacle course and a group ride where all participants will come together for one big ride down the mountain with flags waving and whistles blowing.
Registered participants who raise the pledge minimum for their age group will receive a free alpine lift pass for Jan. 30, a free barbecue lunch, entry to the events, a Ski for MS T-shirt, and the chance to win some great prizes donated from throughout the community.
The pledge minimums are the same as last year:
Adults (19 to 64): $125
Seniors (65 and older): $100
Youth (13 to 18): $75
Children (seven to 12): $50
Tots (six and younger): $25
Participants with a Mount Washington season鈥檚 pass can reduce the above minimums by 25 per cent.
For extra motivation, fundraising rewards are being offered this year to individual participants who raise $300 or more: raise between $300 and $499 and receive a $20 Chapters gift card; raise between $500 and $999 and receive a $50 OH Spa gift certificate, donated in part by the Old House Hotel and Spa; or raise $1,000 or more and receive an adult alpine day lift ticket for Mount Washington to use on another day, donated by Mount Washington Alpine Resort.
Many participants add to the fun by creating a team made up of friends, family or co-workers. Create a team and show your team spirit by dressing up or distinguishing yourselves at Ski for MS.
Multiple sclerosis is a chronic, debilitating disease of the central nervous system. Symptoms can include vision problems, extreme fatigue, muscle weakness, loss of balance and co-ordination, tingling and numbness, cognitive problems and partial or complete paralysis. While MS research is progressing, there is still no known cause or cure.
Canada has one of the highest rates of MS in the world: an estimated 55,000 to 75,000 Canadians have MS. It is most often diagnosed between the ages of 15 and 40 and affects three times as many women as men.
For more information about Ski for MS, go to www.mssociety.ca/chapters/northvanisl or call 250-339-0819.
Day-of-event registration will also be available at the Ski for MS check-in tables at the main lodge from 8 a.m. to 10 a.m.
鈥� Multiple Sclerosis Society of Canada
