About 160 people took part in the annual Scotiabank Multiple Sclerosis Walk on Sunday (April 29) to raise money for a cure to the neurological disease that afflicts 55,000 to 75,000 Canadians, 7,300 to 10,000 of them in B.C. and the Yukon.
Caitlin Langridge, Corporate and Community Development Coordinator for the Multiple Sclerosis Society of Canada, BC and Yukon Division, described the turnout as "pretty decent" compared to previous years.
"We're missing a couple of people, but our turnout has been good and our fundraising is up this year, so we're happy," Langridge told Peace Arch News.
There were 22 fund-raising teams among the participants.
Volunteers included clowns "Mr. Bubbles" and "Lollipop" who kept the children entertained by making balloon animals and blowing giant-size soap bubbles while the adults were treated to the only live music at any of the Multiple Sclerosis Walk venues in the Lower Mainland, courtesy of the "Oh Wells" band.
"Lollipop", a Vancouver resident, said she had to make an early start to be on time for the walk, waking up at 5 a.m. to apply her elaborate makeup and costume.
"It takes a couple of hours to look like this," she said.