‘It should be a big one’: A&W gets ready for 17th annual ‘Burgers to Beat MS’ fundraiser

FORT ST. JOHN, B.C. — An annual fundraiser to support research into a cure for multiple sclerosis (MS) is returning to Fort St. John.

A&W Canada’s annual ‘Burgers to Beat MS’ fundraiser is happening on Thursday, August 21st. The annual campaign sees $2 from every ‘teen burger’ sold across the country donated to MS Canada.

MS is an autoimmune disease that damages part of the body’s central nervous system, which can lead to muscle weakness, numbness, memory issues and visual impairment.

Local MS advocate Sherri Mytopher says the money is spent on research into a cure for the condition, further advocacy and to support people struggling with it in their day-to-day lives.

“Lower-income people with MS can reach out to MS Canada and try to get some assistance for, maybe, if they need a wheelchair or if they need funding for something,” Mytopher explained in an interview on 100.1 Moose FM.

“Two dollars from every ‘teen burger’ comes back to MS Canada. If you don’t want to eat, you’re more than welcome to go into any A&W and donate [cash at the till].”

Mytopher says the Fort St. John location and several others have also been allowing customers to round up their bill to the nearest dollar, with the extra money going towards the charity, since July 21st.

“This is the 17th annual Burgers to Beat MS, so it should be a big one,” she said.

Last year, the initiative raised $1.6 million across Canada, and Mytopher hopes this year’s campaign surpasses that total.

The Fort St. John A&W is open from 5:30 a.m. until midnight on Thursday, August 21st. 

This year’s campaign comes after the Peace region branch of the charity raised nearly $22,000 during MS Awareness Month in May.

Anyone interested in learning more about MS and future fundraising and awareness events can visit the local branch’s Facebook page.