A&W hosts 8th annual 'Burgers to Beat MS' program in Saskatchewan

A&W restaurants across Saskatchewan were part of a special campaign to raise money for the Multiple Sclerosis Society of Canada on Thursday.

In addition to raising funds, the eighth annual Burgers to Beat MS program promotes awareness about how common multiple sclerosis is in this country.

Senior executives from the fast food chain were part of the campaign, visiting a local restaurant in Saskatoon and in Regina to give away root beer floats. For every float, diners will be asked to donate a minimum of $1.

Also, $1 from every teen burger sold will go towards MS research.

"The money raised from A&W not only goes to support top world class research, but it also goes to help improve the quality of lives of those people affected and living with MS," Lisa Smith, from the MS Society in Saskatchewan, said.

"We always look forward to this event," she added, noting the Avonhurst A&W has been a top fundraiser in the campaign.

A&W Chairman and CEO Paul Hollands and MS Society President and CEO Yves Savoie were set to be at the restaurant at the corner of Avonhurst Drive and Albert Street in Regina from 12:30 to 1:30 p.m. Juan Luis Garrido, a young Canadian living with MS, was also set to be a guest for the event.

Last year, that restaurant raised close to $20,000 for MS.

In Saskatoon, two executives were also stopping by the A&W at 2512 8 St. E. to help out with fundraising efforts during the noon hour Thursday.

Other ways to donate

Diners can also support the campaign by rounding up their bill at the register or by buying $2 paper cutouts or donation mugs.

The fast food restaurant will also be donating $1 to the MS Society every time someone shares their Burgers to Beat MS online video. The video can be found on their Facebook page.

Canada has the highest rate of multiple sclerosis in the world. MS is one of the most common neurological diseases among young people in the country.