Burgers are always good, but they're even better when they're helping a cause. On Thursday, August 24th, A&W restaurants across the country donated $2 from every Teen Burger sold, to the Multiple Sclerosis Society of Canada.
Since 2009, the A & W 'Burgers to Beat MS' day has raised more than $9-million to assist with much-needed research, and improve the quality of life for those living with this disease by providing new programs and services.
In North Bay, Franchisee Andrew Warkus, says he's seeing a steady rise in donations each year.
"People come in specifically on this day to help our cause. We hear a lot of stories about how it hits home for them. It's someone's mother, someone's father, someone's daughter or son, friend or neighbour. Many are living right here in the community. They buy a Teen Burger to help out. We're also trying our best to help and hopefully beat MS."
Donations have been collected for the past month leading up to Thursday's fundraiser, and Warkus is hoping to set a record this year.
Nationally the goal for the nearly 900 stores is to meet or beat $2 million.
"A lot of people aren't familiar with MS and how it affects individuals and families. Today is about fundraising, but it's also about awareness," said Warkus.
A&W restaurants were busy selling Teen Burgers and raising money for the MS Society until closing Thursday.
The MS Society reports that Canada has the highest rate of MS in the world. It also describes MS as an autoimmune disease of the nervous system. Symptoms include extreme fatigue, lack of coordination, weakness, tingling, vision problems, cognitive impairment and mood changes.
Most people are diagnosed between the ages of 15 and 40, although it can occur earlier or later in life.
Researchers continue to work on finding the cause and a cure.
