/R E P E A T -- A&W's Cruisin' to End MS Day: On Thursday, August 27, take part in the movement to fight multiple sclerosis/

6.5 million dollars have already been raised for those affected by MS!

MONTRÉAL, Aug 20, 2015 /CNW Telbec/ - The Multiple Sclerosis (MS) Society of Canada invites Quebecers to contribute to its annual fundraising and MS awareness campaign, which has been held for the past seven years in collaboration with A&W Food Services of Canada Inc. (TSE: AW.UN). On August 27, $1 will be given to the MS Society for every Teen Burger^TM sold in Canada.

"Multiple sclerosis is an illness that affects nearly 100,000 Canadians, including about 20,000 Quebecers, said Louis Adam, Executive Director, MS Society, Quebec Division. A&W's Cruisin' to End MS Day is a 24-hour national campaign that helps raise funds for multiple sclerosis research and services provided to those suffering from this disease in Québec. On Thursday, August 27, I invite Quebecers to visit any A&W location across the province to help those who live with this illness every day!"

For the past six years, 6.5 million dollars have been raised through public involvement!

In 2015, the MS Society, in collaboration with the MS Scientific Research Foundation, awarded a $4.2 million grant for a clinical trial called MESCAMS. This innovative international research project, exclusively focused on treating MS by mesenchymal stem cells, is the first of its kind in Canada and already looks promising!

The grant given to the MESCAMS clinical trial is co-financed by proud backers, including A&W Food Services of Canada, who donated a million dollars. A&W has given a total of $6.5 million to help those suffering from multiple sclerosis since the launch of A&W's Cruising to End MS Day.

"Over the past six years, our clients, franchisees and the A&W team have displayed exceptional generosity as part of A&W's Cruising to End MS Day, said Paul Hollands, Chair and Chief Executive Officer of A&W Food Services of Canada Inc. We are thrilled that this campaign helps fund research and gives hope to those living with MS."

Here's how you can support the MS Society of Canada

On Thursday, August 27, A&W will give $1 to the MS Society of Canada for each Teen Burger^TM sold across the country. During this event, several participating A&W restaurants will also organize various fundraising activities, such as games, draws, raffles and even visits from the Great Root Bear!

Moreover, Quebecers can now purchase a cut-out for $1, $2 or $5, or drop their donation in specially marked boxes during their next visit to any of A&W's 119 locations across Québec.

Another way to contribute to the cause is by making a donation online, at cruisintoendms.ca.

"This year, A&W franchisees hope to once again count on Quebecers' generous participation, said Mr. Hollands. On August 27, don't miss out on A&W's Cruisin' to End MS Day."

"Mr. A&W"

The involvement of both franchisees and Quebecers in this campaign will not go unnoticed. Indeed, the restaurant that raises the most funds by August 16 will be visited by Alain, the face of the latest A&W ad campaigns.

About multiple sclerosis and the MS Society of Canada

Canada has the world's highest rate of multiple sclerosis. This debilitating illness targets the central nervous system, which includes the brain, spinal cord and optic nerves. MS is the most prevalent neurological illness among young adults across Canada. It generally manifests among people aged 15-40 and its unpredictable effects last a lifetime. The MS Society provides services to 100,000 Canadians suffering from MS and their families, and funds research to find the cause and a cure for this disease. In Québec alone, 20,000 individuals benefit from these efforts. For more information or to make a donation to the MS Society, please visit mssociety.ca or call 1 800 268-7582.

About A&W

A&W Food Services of Canada Inc. is a purely Canadian company and one of the most recognized brands within the Canadian food service industry. A&W is the country's second largest hamburger restaurant chains, operating over 800 locations across Canada. Since 2012, A&W has served 100% pure beef, raised without the use of hormones or steroids and free of preservatives and additives. In October 2014, A&W Canada became North America's first national fast-food chain to only serve chicken raised without the use of antibiotics and fed a grain-based, vegetarian diet without any animal by-products. For more information on A&W's guarantees, visitawguarantee.ca

A&W restaurants offer their famous menu, which includes the Burger Family^TM, Chubby Chicken^TM, A&W Root Beer^TM and Buddy Burgers^TM. For more information, visit aw.ca.

 

SOURCE A&W Food Services of Canada Inc.

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