Category: Fundraising Events

Pull together a team, raise funds and race to pull a 42,000-lb truck
in support of people affected by ALS and fund promising research

TORONTO, October 15, 2024 – This fall, the ALS Society of Canada (ALS Canada) is uniting thrill-seeking colleagues, friends, and family for a friendly competition in the ALS Canada Pull to End ALS on Saturday, October 19, 2024, at York University in North York, Ontario. This unique event supports vital research and support programs for people affected by amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), a devastating neuromuscular disease.

Participants will face a challenging test of strength and teamwork as they attempt to pull a 42,000-lb transport truck 100 meters, symbolizing the immense burden of an ALS diagnosis and its impacts on the 4,000 Canadians living with the disease and their families.

ALS progressively paralyzes individuals by preventing the brain from communicating with the muscles. As a result, people with ALS often face a swift decline in the ability to talk, walk, eat, swallow, and eventually breathe. There is currently no cure for the disease that carries a lifetime risk of 1 in 300 for each of us.

“ALS Canada’s strength lies in the collective efforts of our community. An ALS diagnosis can be devastating for both the person and their circle of friends and family,” says Tammy Moore, CEO of ALS Canada. “By participating in and generously supporting the Pull to End ALS, you are helping provide crucial resources that alleviate some of the burden associated with this disease through direct support, connections to community-based resources, and access to support groups, making a tangible difference in the lives of people living with ALS. We are deeply grateful to everyone involved in this event for creating a meaningful experience with a tremendous impact.”

Each team, consisting of up to 14 people, is tasked with raising $4,000, contributing to ALS Canada’s mission to fund the most promising research into the disease and potential treatments, as well as supportive services provided in communities across the province. These services provide essential equipment, trusted information, and resources to help people affected by ALS navigate its complexities and the healthcare system.

For Monica Boaretto, whose father passed away in 2012 from ALS, taking part in the event has allowed her family to express gratitude and ensure that others receive the support they once did.

“The diagnosis was almost harder than losing him because of the heartbreak and suffering we anticipated ahead of us. An ALS Canada Community Lead was at our door almost immediately after we registered, and they helped us navigate the disease and even continued to check in after we lost our dad,” says Monica. “Our team, ‘For Pete’s Sake,’ has been participating in this event since 2013, and we all look forward to it every year because it’s a lot of fun and an opportunity to connect with others who have been through a similar experience.”

Donate to help make a difference in the lives of people affected by ALS: pulltoendals.ca.

ALS Canada Pull to End ALS Event Details:

When: Saturday, October 19, 2024
9:15 to 10:00 a.m. – Team registration
10:00 a.m. – Opening remarks
10:10 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. – Team pulls take place
1:30 p.m. – Closing ceremonies

Location:  Founders Rd East Lot – York University, North York, ON M3J 3K1

Getting to the ALS Canada Pull End ALS: Travel by TTC with a short walk from Pioneer Village station. Paid parking is available.

About ALS and the ALS Society of Canada
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is an unrelenting and currently terminal disease. It progressively paralyzes people because the brain is no longer able to communicate with the muscles of the body that we are typically able to move at will. Over time, as the muscles of the body break down, someone living with ALS will lose the ability to walk, talk, eat, swallow, and eventually breathe. More than 4,000 Canadians live with ALS and approximately 1,000 Canadians are diagnosed each year. Four out of five people living with ALS will die within two to five years of their diagnosis.

The ALS Society of Canada is working to change what it means to live with ALS. Grounded in and informed by the Canadian ALS community, we respond to the urgent unmet need for life-changing treatments by investing in high-quality research that will fuel scientific discovery and by engaging industry, supporting increased clinical capacity, and advocating for equitable, affordable, and timely access to proven therapies.

Responding to the tremendous need for current and credible ALS knowledge, awareness, and education, we empower Canadians affected by ALS to navigate the current realities of ALS, be informed consumers of ALS information, and advocate effectively for change. In Ontario, we provide direct community services to help people navigate ALS.

Founded in 1977, we are a registered charity that receives no core government funding – our work is powered by generous donors who share our vision of a world free of ALS.

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Join the conversation and connect with the ALS community online. Find ALS Canada on X, Instagram, or like our page on Facebook. Visit als.ca to find out more.

For more information
ALS Society of Canada
media@als.ca
437-703-5402

Participants can choose from three scenic routes
and unite to raise funds for ALS research and community-based supports

HAMILTON, September 17, 2024 – On Sunday, September 22, cyclists will unite for the ALS Canada Revolution Ride in the scenic community of Dundas, Ontario. This annual event raises vital funds and awareness for the ALS Society of Canada (ALS Canada) to support people affected by amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) through community services, advocacy, and the most promising research across Canada.

Powered by volunteers, the Revolution Ride offers 12km, 40km, and 90km routes for cyclists of all levels. Starting and ending at Shawn & Ed Brewing Co., the event features a kick-off and post-ride celebration where riders and their supporters can come together.

“Events like the ALS Canada Revolution Ride unite the ALS community, providing an opportunity to take part in a meaningful experience, honour loved ones, and work toward a world free of ALS,” says Tammy Moore, CEO of ALS Canada. “The funds raised are instrumental in providing community-based support to people affected by the disease, ensuring that someone with experience and knowledge is there with accurate information, connections to resources, and quick access to essential equipment, easing the emotional and financial burdens associated with the disease. We are deeply grateful to the volunteers, participants, and the donors for this event in helping to fuel our work.”

Last year’s top fundraiser, Matthew Horowitz, raised more than $100,000 and has returned for 2024 as a volunteer on the organizing committee. This year, his participation carries even more significance, riding in honour of his father, Michael, who passed away from ALS in May – just two and a half years after his diagnosis.

“My father’s diagnosis left me feeling helpless. Finding the ALS Canada Revolution Ride allowed me to channel my feelings into something that could have a positive impact by raising awareness and funds to support people affected by ALS,” says Matthew. “This year’s Ride will be an emotional one for our family and friends participating. I know firsthand how helpful it was to have access to resources and supports for my father and our family, and I’m committed to continuing these efforts to fund this work.”

Today, nearly 4,000 Canadians are living with ALS, a neuromuscular disease that progressively paralyzes people because the brain can no longer communicate with the muscles of the body that we can typically move at will. As a result, people with ALS often face a swift decline in the ability to talk, walk, eat, swallow, and eventually breathe. There is currently no cure for the disease that carries a lifetime risk of 1 in 300 for each of us.

For those unable to join in Dundas, a virtual option is available through the Strava app. Participants can create a customizable Revolution Ride from anywhere, on any date.

Proceeds from the ALS Canada Revolution Ride go to community-based support services for people living with ALS in Ontario, provincial and federal advocacy initiatives, and investments in Canada’s most promising ALS research.

Show your support by donating to the ALS Canada Revolution Ride at https://www.revolutionride.ca/.

ALS Canada Revolution Ride Event Details:

When: Sunday, September 22, 2024
Location: Shawn & Ed Brewery Co. – 65 Hatt Street, Dundas, Ontario
Start line times:

• 8:00 a.m. for 90km cyclists
• 9:00 a.m. for 40km cyclists
• 10:00 a.m. for 12km cyclists

Who: Revolution Ride participants show support for people and families living with ALS.
Post-ride celebration: Starting at 11:30 a.m. at Shawn & Ed Brewery Co., featuring highlights, music, food, and drinks for family and friends to join the cyclists and celebrate the Ride.

About ALS and the ALS Society of Canada
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is an unrelenting and currently terminal disease. It progressively paralyzes people because the brain is no longer able to communicate with the muscles of the body that we are typically able to move at will. Over time, as the muscles of the body break down, someone living with ALS will lose the ability to walk, talk, eat, swallow, and eventually breathe. More than 4,000 Canadians live with ALS and approximately 1,000 Canadians are diagnosed each year. Four out of five people living with ALS will die within two to five years of their diagnosis.

The ALS Society of Canada is working to change what it means to live with ALS. Grounded in and informed by the Canadian ALS community, we respond to the urgent unmet need for life-changing treatments by investing in high-quality research that will fuel scientific discovery and by engaging industry, supporting increased clinical capacity, and advocating for equitable, affordable, and timely access to proven therapies.

Responding to the tremendous need for current and credible ALS knowledge, awareness, and education, we empower Canadians affected by ALS to navigate the current realities of ALS, be informed consumers of ALS information, and advocate effectively for change. In Ontario, we provide direct community services to help people navigate ALS.

Founded in 1977, we are a registered charity that receives no core government funding – our work is powered by generous donors who share our vision of a world free of ALS.

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Join the conversation and connect with the ALS community online. Find ALS Canada on X, Instagram, or like our page on Facebook. Visit als.ca to find out more.

For more information
ALS Society of Canada
media@als.ca
437-703-5402

“ALS doesn’t stop. Neither will we.”

ALS researcher and ALS Canada Board Member Christine Vande Velde said these words at the start of the pandemic in reference to her team’s work in the lab, but they were quickly adopted as a rally cry by ALS Canada and ALS organizations around the globe.

Across Canada, we convened calls with researchers and clinicians so they could learn from one another while responding nimbly to the crisis so that ALS research and care could continue. Across Ontario, people living with ALS attended online support groups and webinars to stay connected and informed as the pandemic landscape changed, almost daily. After more than 18 months of virtual support offerings, recently, we’ve finally been able to have our Community Leads meet people in their homes to assess their needs in-person and help them navigate their paths with ALS.

With the pressures and strain COVID-19 is placing on hospitals and long-term care, our work is more vital than ever.

Why is your gift this year more important than ever?

ALS Canada fills gaps in our healthcare system by providing essential community-based supports and services to some of Ontario’s most vulnerable people. The ALS Canada Equipment Program offers equipment loans to Ontarians living with ALS at no cost to them, our Community Leads help to navigate our complex healthcare system to help people get the care and support they need, and they also develop and facilitate support groups. While we do not provide direct medical care, the supports we do provide can help delay admission to long-term care, reduce emergency room visits, and enhance community-based care.

As a person’s ALS progresses, their reliance on mobility and communications equipment and other assistive devices increases. Over the course of their disease, a person with ALS will transition from needing the support of a walker, to needing a highly customized, powered wheelchair. Access to the right equipment and assistive devices can significantly improve quality of life and help people maintain independence, dignity, and safety.

On the research front, more progress in ALS research has been made in the past decade than the previous century. We are now positioned to find treatments that can significantly alter the course of the disease in the future. The generosity of donors plays a critical role in ALS research in Canada and the greatest limitation standing in the way of effective ALS treatments being developed sooner rather than later is a lack of funding.

ALS Canada’s challenge today is to maintain a necessary level of core funding for research so that we do not lose the critical momentum gained over the past several years, while still meeting the needs of families living with ALS today through comprehensive support and services, and continuing to advocate for policy change federally and provincially within Ontario.

With new and emerging therapies for ALS on the horizon, ALS Canada’s work to advocate for timely, equitable and affordable access to these novel treatments is more important than ever. The ALS community measures time not by months or years, but by loss – loss of function and loss of life. That’s why we have urged Health Canada to grant all ALS therapies priority review status and to expedite the reimbursement process through our ‘Time is Now’ Position Paper. We also believe the federal government has a role to play in funding CAPTURE ALS, a project that will enable Canadian researchers to study why people experience ALS symptoms and progression so differently, which is key to identifying treatment targets, strengthening global clinical trials and developing Canadian infrastructure to attract private sector medical R&D investment. Alongside these priorities, we continue to highlight the realities and needs of people living with ALS so they can be better met by the provincial health care system in Ontario.

What are the most urgent needs for the ALS community, today?

Your support is vital to continue the momentum in research to understand the disease and find treatments that can significantly alter the course of the disease and to ensure that we have the best and brightest researchers in Canada to accelerate progress toward advanced ALS treatment discoveries and to find a cure. ALS Canada is the only dedicated source of funding for ALS research in Canada, and we receive no core funding from government.

As the disease progresses, the average cost of ALS to a family is $150,000 to $200,000, but that figure can be a lot more for some families, who are likely experiencing loss of income as well. Ontarians living with ALS rely on the support of ALS Canada to provide loans of much-needed equipment, free of charge, and financial assistance for people in need to help with the client portion of the government programs that provide access to power wheelchairs and communication devices. The ALS Canada equipment loan pool is entirely reliant on you – our donors.

The weight of an ALS diagnosis is tremendous – physically, psychologically, and financially. ALS Canada engages with officials in the federal and Ontario governments to represent the voices and experiences of people living with ALS. Donor funding supports our advocacy efforts to enact policy changes to provide meaningful impact on the quality of lives of people living with ALS today and in the future by providing equitable, timely, and affordable access to Health Canada approved therapies, improved home and community care, and research.

Your support is so critical for ALS community members. Please make a donation this holiday season to support the critical work and support that our community needs. Because ALS doesn’t stop, and neither will we.

With continued gratitude,

Tammy Moore, CEO

ALS Society of Canada

ALS Society of Canada rallying the community together to bring awareness to nearly 4,000 Canadians living with ALS and their families.

Toronto, Ontario – ALS Awareness Month kicks off June 1, as the ALS Society of Canada (ALS Canada) brings the community together to build recognition of what amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is and the impact the relentless disease has on nearly 4,000 Canadians living with the disease and their families.

“An ALS diagnosis can be devastating. What we want people to know is – you are not alone,” says Tammy Moore, CEO, ALS Canada. “ALS Canada’s mission is to work with the ALS community to improve the lives of Canadians affected by ALS through advancing research, care, advocacy, and information. We realize that with each person diagnosed, there are roughly six additional people we touch within their circle of care. It’s important that we’re here, united together in our support. At ALS Canada, we do this by empowering people living with ALS to navigate the current realities of the disease, be informed consumers of ALS information, and advocate effectively for change. We also invest in high-quality research, that will fuel scientific discovery and hopefully lead to more approved therapies and improved quality of life.”

ALS is a neuromuscular disease that progressively paralyzes people because the brain can no longer communicate with the muscles of the body that we are typically able to move at will. As a result, people with ALS often face a swift decline in the ability to talk, walk, eat, swallow, and eventually breathe. There is currently no cure for the disease that carries a lifetime risk of 1 in 300 for each of us. In addition to advancing research, care, advocacy and information, ALS Canada provides community-based services, including direct support provided by the ALS Canada Equipment Program and ALS Canada Community Leads to Ontario families living with ALS.

This June, help us recognize ALS Awareness Month by getting involved with ALS Canada in a variety of ways:

• Purple for Awareness. Keep your eyes open for lighting and illuminations of local landmarks in your area as they go purple to recognize this important month. Check out the CN Tower, Nathan Phillips Square, and Niagara Falls throughout June. Take action! Snap a picture and post on your social media channels and tag @ALSCanada to show your support.

• Lou Gehrig Day. Tune in on June 2 as Major League Baseball (MLB) recognizes Lou Gehrig Day, honouring the baseball great for his legacy and the awareness created for ALS around the world. The Blue Jays will mark the day at their home game.

• Global ALS Awareness Day. On Global ALS Awareness Day (June 21), ALS Canada will host a live webinar featuring the Chairs of the Canadian ALS Research Network (CALS) and provide an overview of the Top 10 exciting things about our understanding of ALS in 2024 presented by Dr. David Taylor, Vice-President, Research and Strategic Partnerships, ALS Canada. Register for free.

• Get Walk Ready! Get connected with the ALS community by joining the ALS Canada Walk to End ALS; for a complete list of dates and locations, visit walktoendals.ca.

• Become a Monthly Donor. During the month of June, sign up for our Circle of Hope Monthly Giving Program and your monthly gift will be matched for three months thanks to our generous matching donor. Sign up today!

• Share your story and stay connected. Whether you want to share your journey or keep a loved one’s memory alive, we encourage you to follow ALS Canada on social media at @ALSCanada on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. Let us know what #aWorldFreeOfALS means to you.

About ALS and the ALS Society of Canada

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is an unrelenting and currently terminal disease. It progressively paralyzes people because the brain is no longer able to communicate with the muscles of the body that we are typically able to move at will. Over time, as the muscles of the body break down, someone living with ALS will lose the ability to walk, talk, eat, swallow, and eventually breathe. Nearly 4,000 Canadians live with ALS and approximately 1,000 Canadians are diagnosed each year. Four out of five people living with ALS will die within two to five years of their diagnosis.

The ALS Society of Canada is working to change what it means to live with ALS. Grounded in and informed by the Canadian ALS community, we respond to the urgent unmet need for life-changing treatments by investing in high-quality research that will fuel scientific discovery and by engaging industry, supporting increased clinical capacity and advocating for equitable, affordable, and timely access to proven therapies.

Responding to the tremendous need for current and credible ALS knowledge, awareness and education, we empower Canadians affected by ALS to navigate the current realities of ALS, be informed consumers of ALS information, and advocate effectively for change. In Ontario, we provide direct community services to help people navigate ALS.

Founded in 1977, we are a registered charity that receives no core government funding – our work is powered by generous donors who share our vision of a future without ALS.

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Join the conversation and connect with the ALS community online. Find ALS Canada on X, Instagram, or like our page on Facebook. Visit als.ca to find out more.

For more information:
ALS Society of Canada
media@als.ca
437-703-5402

As we bid farewell to 2023, we want to take a moment to celebrate YOU. Your dedication throughout this month, and indeed the entire year, has been nothing short of inspirational. As a community, you have rallied together to show your generosity. And your giving spirit has not only uplifted the ALS community but has also propelled our mission forward.

As we embrace the possibilities of the upcoming year, we have a timely and essential reminder: The end-of-year CRA tax receipt deadline is mere days away!

Why is this momentous for you?

Immediate Impact: Your gift ensures we can continue to support Canadians affected by ALS, helping them today and striving for a future without ALS.

Tax Benefits: For many, the importance of the CRA tax receipt might not be immediately evident. By donating before midnight on December 31, you’re also positioning yourself for a 2023 tax benefit. It’s an excellent way to make your giving go even further. As an organization, ALS Canada is only able to issue these receipts if we receive your donation before the deadline, so don’t delay!

Act now: Seize this win-win opportunity. Donate before the end of the year and ensure you’re ready to benefit during the upcoming tax season.

Warm wishes for a joyful New Year,

Tammy Moore

Chief Executive Officer

ALS Society of Canada

A letter from Tammy Moore, ALS Canada’s Chief Executive Officer

Let me start by saying thank you.

Thank you for standing beside us throughout the year, driven by our shared vision: a future without ALS. Today, I want to share how much closer we are to turning this vision into a reality – and why we need your continued support to get us even closer.

First, let me express my immense gratitude to our entire donor community. Thanks to your support, we’ve made huge strides:

• Earlier Diagnoses: With projects like ReferALS, we’re paving the way for faster ALS diagnosis in Canada. This means timely access to treatments, clinical trials, and improved quality of life.
• Empowering Our Community: The ALS Canada Canadian ALS Learning Institute (CALI) has become a wealth of knowledge for countless Canadians, providing rich information and empowering them to share their stories and make change.
• A Milestone in Treatment: The approval of therapies is a testament to our relentless drive. With your help, we strive to ensure equitable access to treatment options for Canadians.

But our work isn’t finished yet

Nearly 4,000 Canadians are battling ALS daily. They rely on our services, information resources, and support groups to navigate this journey. They rely on our relentless advocacy for access to better treatment options, and they rely on our neverending drive to invest in groundbreaking research. With zero government funding, our lifeline is the collective strength and compassion of donors like you.

With the holidays approaching, I invite you to embrace the spirit of giving. Your donation fuels change, whether pushing for better care standards, funding transformative research, or empowering Canadians with information.

What your support means:

• Reinforces our pursuit of timely, affordable, and equitable access to therapies.
• Continues the critical research funding across Canada, moving us closer to more treatment options for ALS.
• Ignites impactful conversations with key government officials, emphasizing the urgency for research funding and policy shifts.
• And ultimately, it gets us another step closer to a future without ALS.

This December, let’s rally around families facing ALS. Your donation will make a difference in their lives today and fuel hope, pushing us closer to a world free of ALS.

Your generosity is also a vital reminder to people living with ALS right now that there is still so much they can do and that the ALS community is standing by their side.

Together, ALS Canada is able to be a beacon of hope for thousands of Canadians. Let’s shine brighter this December. The year may be coming to an end, but there’s so much we can still do. Together, let’s create a future without ALS.

With heartfelt gratitude,

Tammy Moore

Chief Executive Officer

Double your impact this GivingTuesday

When it comes to fundraising for ALS, next Tuesday (November 28) is the single most important day of the year, and to help us celebrate the day, we have an exciting announcement. Does this sound intriguing? Keep reading….

Every year, GivingTuesday gains more momentum in Canada as charities across the country rally alongside their donor communities to fund life-changing work. It’s a day for us to come together and support the causes closest to our hearts.

To help make the day a success, The Citrine Foundation of Canada has agreed to double every GivingTuesday donation you make, up to $45,000!

Throughout the day, we will be sending email reminders, plus stories from our community members that will remind you how much your donation truly helps real families across the country. If you’re not subscribed to receive emails from ALS Canada, you can do so here. Make sure you’re signed up so you don’t miss out next week.

Separately, we’re happy to announce that you can click here for early action to the GivingTuesday donation form. Even if you give today, we will make sure your donation is doubled and added toward our GivingTuesday goal.

Together, we can make this year’s GivingTuesday our most successful one yet! Can we count on you?

That’s a wrap! Our September events have come to an end at ALS Canada, and we can’t help but look back at how the community came out to ride and pull to end ALS. Both the ALS Canada Pull to End ALS and ALS Canada Revolution Ride bring us together in unique and challenging ways, demonstrating our commitment to raising awareness, honouring the people we’ve loved and lost, and ultimately helping change the future of ALS.

Pull to End ALS

The Pull to End ALS never fails to make an impact – while the shock of challenging yourself to pull a 42,000-lb transport truck is mighty, the energy everyone brings to the event with the shared goal of a future without ALS is mightier. As teams stepped up to pull, cheered on by friends and family, we were reminded that the weight of the challenge is nothing compared to the weight 3,000 Canadians living with ALS face every day. This year, the Pull to End ALS raised an incredible $189,000 and counting – funds that are critical for research investment, community-based support services, and advocacy initiatives! Check out the event’s energy and reflect on some of our favourite moments of the day by visiting the photo album.

Revolution Ride

The ALS community knows the power we hold together, and at this year’s Revolution Ride, we weren’t afraid to show it! Coming together in picturesque Dundas, Ontario, riders geared up to take on the new 12km route and the familiar 40km and 90km routes – riding to change what it means to receive an ALS diagnosis. You can look back at the magic of the day in our photo album – reflecting on the sunny skies and inspiring energy encompassing the event as we came together to make a difference. With the generous support of our riders, those who donated, and the event volunteer committee, the event was an outstanding success, raising $280,000 and going – all to help in our work to create a future without ALS!

ALS Canada would like to thank everyone who participated and supported the Pull to End ALS and Revolution Ride. This September was a reminder that together, we are stronger as we work toward our shared cause – changing the reality of receiving an ALS diagnosis. Though the year isn’t over yet – stay tuned to our social channels to see what exciting events are happening next!