Learn More

ALS is a devastating neuromuscular disease that robs people of the ability to move, speak and breathe. Approximately 2,500 to 3,000 Canadians live with ALS. Most of them will die of respiratory failure within two to five years of their diagnosis.

The ALS Society of Canada gives hope to people with ALS. Our mission is to fund ALS research, support our provincial partners and raise awareness about this terrible disease.

You can help us accomplish our mission by joining us as we help find a cure. The online community serves as a fundraising vehicle for event participants. It allows them to create a website, share their story and communicate with relatives, friends and supporters in their community, province and around the world.

Our major fundraising events are the WALK for ALS and the Hike for ALS.

WALK for ALS

• Began in 2001 and has raised approximately $11 million
• Takes place annually in more than 70 communities nationwide between May and September
• Partnership between the national and provincial ALS Societies
• Supporting ongoing ALS research across the country through the ALS Society of Canada
• Supporting direct services for people with ALS and their families – educational information, referrals to local health care and community services, equipment assistance, home visits, and coordination of peer support groups – through your provincial ALS Society.

Hike for ALS

• Began in 2005 and has raised more than $160,000
• Held annually at the Kortright Centre in Vaughan, Ontario
• Partnership between ALS Society of Canada and ALS Society of Ontario
• Proceeds shared equally between the partners

Third Party Event

If you live in a community that isn’t holding a Walk or a Hike, or if you want to fundraise beyond the organized events, you can still get involved by hosting a third party event.

• You get to choose the date, location and type of event
• Popular events include dances, concerts, car washes, cycling tours, golf tournaments and bake sales
• Can be organized on an individual or group basis
• Schools and businesses can also get involved by having a weekly Casual Day and donating proceeds to the ALS Society of Canada
• ALS Canada provides informational and promotional materials such as balloons, posters, bookmarks and information cards
• Contact Enzo Raponi, Senior Manager Projects and Events er@als.ca

Betty’s Run for ALS

If you live in the Calgary area, you can also participate in Betty’s Run for ALS.

• Named in honour of Betty Norman, an active Calgary woman who died of ALS in 1997
• First Run was held in 1996
• 5km run/walk held annually in June
• Organized by ALS Society of Alberta
• Has raised more than $2 for client services, equipment and research

Click here to start making a difference!

Join the community or pledge your support today!

• Individual Events & Funds Home Page
• ALS Memoriam Fund Home Page