Join the Simcoe-Norfolk MS Walk
- 5 hours ago
- 3 min read
Chris Abbott
Editor
Dave Horton acknowledges there has been a personal need in his desire to organize the local Simcoe-Norfolk MS Walk, although he admits it is time for him to step back as the lead.
“My wife, Judy, has had MS (multiple sclerosis) for 47 years,” said Horton. “She has done remarkably well.
“We have had others who have been helping out with the walk, probably as long or longer than I have. I first came as a walker, registered, and realized that I needed to be more involved. This is our 26th year, this year.”
One of the Simcoe-Norfolk MS Walk committee members has MS, he noted. Another has a very good friend who has MS. One is the daughter of someone who has MS.
“It’s just important to us,” said Horton.
You can learn more about MS at mscanada.ca with links to an Intro to MS, Managing MS, Finding Support, MS Research and how to Take Action.
“We find out what kind of research is being done, and we rely on MS Canada to continue to give us support services to those with MS, as required.”
The Simcoe-Norfolk MS Walk on May 31st is one of the few volunteer-led MS walks in Canada, Horton noted.
“We are kind of fortunate that we have a small group that can put together a Walk like this.”
MAY 31st MS WALK
Check-in on May 31st will start at 9 a.m., or even a bit earlier, at the Simcoe Legion, 200 West Street. Opening ceremonies - with dignitaries - will start approximately 10:30 a.m., then warmup, followed by the official start of the walk at 11 a.m.
“We have a face painter and some outdoor games this year (cornhole) that adults and kids can get involved with,” said Horton, chair of the Grand Erie chapter of the MS Society of Canada and organizer of the 26th Simcoe-Norfolk MS Walk. “And there’s a pet station as well – if anyone brings their dog, there will be an actual station set up for them at the Legion.”
Participants have the option of walking 2 km or 5 km.
“The 2 km is 1 km out and 1 km back – we have a turnaround point.”
As of Mother’s Day, about 60-plus walkers had pre-registered, so far committing to more than $20,000 in donations. Organizers hope to be around 100 people by May 31st. The Simcoe-Norfolk target is roughly $60,000 by the end of the day (officially $55,000, set by the MS Canada Toronto office).
“Of course, they are hoping that we are going to exceed it again this year. I was amazed how much we actually made last year.”
In its first 25 years, nearly $1 million was raised.
The morning starts with a light breakfast (donated coffee and food). The Kaley’s Restaurant food truck will be on site to serve participants sausages and burgers after the walk. There will also be other donated food, including pizza from Domino’s.
“People won’t go home hungry, for sure,” Horton laughed.
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A pre-walk MS fundraiser brunch was held at Kaley’s Restaurant in Simcoe.
“This was a fantastic day,” said Horton on Mother’s Day, noting funds raised go to the Simcoe-Norfolk MS Walk. “We had 57 registered, plus walk-ins, which is great, and we’ve been very busy ever since about 9 o’clock.”
Three local MS Walk committee volunteers, with some training, were kept busy serving food to assist Kaley’s owner (Kaley Horton) and staff.
“They just love doing it, and they are so good at it!” smiled Dave Horton, who was able to spend his morning greeting customers and thanking them for coming. “Same as last year, all they needed was just a little refresher. They are so good and just busy, busy, busy.
“You get a day like today and it makes all the difference. Hopefully on Walk Day, everyone is going to go home ‘smiling’… and tired. We’re looking forward to good weather and a good turnout.”
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