A&W’s Cruisin’ for a Cause Day exceeds $1 Million Fundraising Goal. A&W and the Multiple Sclerosis Society of Canada thank Canadians for incredible support
A&W Food Services of Canada Inc. (TSE: AW.UN) is proud to announce that more than $1 million was raised in support of the Multiple Sclerosis Society of Canada during its third-annual Cruisin’ for a Cause Day held on Aug. 25. In total, this national fund-raising event has raised more than $2 million over the past three years to help end MS.
“The ongoing enthusiasm and commitment to this very important cause has been outstanding,” said Paul Hollands, president and CEO, A&W Food Services Canada. “On behalf of A&W, I would like to thank and congratulate all of our customers, staff, car clubs and other supporters across Canada who helped us achieve this significant goal.”
“This incredible achievement was made possible thanks to the people of A&W who made it their mission to raise $1 million with tremendous spirit and a deep commitment to the community,” said Yves Savoie, president and CEO, MS Society of Canada. “On behalf of all of those touched by MS, I offer heartfelt thanks to the entire A&W family who made this success possible. The funds raised allow us to reach into communities to deliver life-enhancing services and fund research that brings us closer to ending MS every day.”
More than 730 A&W restaurants across Canada helped raise funds through the sale of cut-outs, customer contributions and donations of $1 from every Teen Burger® sold on Aug. 25. Cruisin’ for a Cause (or le Rendez-vous A&W pour stopper la SP as it is known in Quebec) raised both funds and awareness of multiple sclerosis through a variety of events including classic car gatherings, retro music, car hop service and car hop relay races, hula hoop contests and Great A&W Root Bear® visits.
Canada has one of the highest incidence rates of multiple sclerosis in the world, making research and support for people with MS and their families critical. Multiple sclerosis is the most common neurological disease of young adults in Canada and affects from 55,000 to 75,000 Canadians.
Cruisin’ for a Cause Day is a fund-raising event affiliated with A&W’s national Cruisin’ the Dub program, which began over 10 years ago at a grassroots level in various communities. It was created by classic car enthusiasts who enjoyed gathering at A&W restaurants to share their passion for their vintage autos. The popular fund-raiser creates an opportunity for the many Canadians who grew up enjoying warm summer evenings at the drive in—often with the radio blaring and trays of Teen® burgers, fresh made onion rings and icy cold A&W Root Beer® delivered to their car by car hops—to revisit those fond memories while supporting the Multiple Sclerosis Society of Canada.