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WALK raises more than $51,000 for ALS

The Mid Island WALK for ALS was held on June 10
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A group participates in the Mid Island Walk for ALS on June 10. The fundraiser brought in more than $51,000 for ALS. Submitted photo

More than $51,000 was raised for Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) at the 13th Mid Island WALK for ALS.

The event, held on June 10, saw 160 people attend. The event was preceded by the WALK 9 for ALS Golf Tournament, and the WALK day featured the Rotary BBQ and silent auction.

The ALS Society of BC, in a news release, congratulated co-ordinator Sheldon Cleaves and the volunteers from the ALS BC North Central Island Chapter for raising $51,377.

The funds raised at the WALK for ALS are used in two ways: 60 per cent of the proceeds support direct services for people living with ALS and their families provided by the ALS Society of BC, while 40 per cent supports ongoing ALS research, through the Canadian ALS Research Program.

Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis is a rapidly progressive, neuromuscular disease. It attacks the motor neurons that transmit electrical impulses from the brain to the voluntary muscles in the body.

When they fail to receive messages, the muscles lose strength, atrophy and die. The disease can strike anyone at any time, regardless of age, gender, or ethnic origin.

It does not affect the senses, and only rarely does it affect the mind.

— NEWS Staff/ALS Society of BC news release