The economy is down, but the outlook of volunteers and supporters of the Multiple Sclerosis Society of Canada is bright as they prepare for the second annual Scotiabank MS Walk taking place on June 14.

"The Scotiabank MS Walk is spirit lifting," said Judi Board in a press release.

Board participated in the Whitehorse walk last year and raised $800.

"To know that so many people care about multiple sclerosis is inspiring. My hope is that within my lifetime, we will see new treatments and ultimately a cure so that we can end MS once and for all. I want my children to know a world that is free of MS."

Funds raised from the Scotiabank MS Walk support local services as well as research efforts that are coordinated on a national basis.

While there is no chapter in Whitehorse, there is a local self help group that meets regularly and anyone can contact the Client Service Department toll-free at 1-866-991-0577.

"In a downward economy, the need for the MS Society-funded services and research becomes even more pronounced," said Tania Doyle, Community Walk Coordinator of the Scotiabank MS Walk. "MS knows no borders and will not take a holiday because of global recession. Acknowledging this, we feel optimistic that we'll meet or exceed our totals from last year."

The Scotiabank MS Walk is the largest of the MS Society's fund-raising events, last year raising more than $14 million in 160 cities across Canada. Here in Whitehorse, 20 participants raised $4,000 in 2008.

The four-km and eight-km routes for the Whitehorse walk begin and end at Shipyards Park and follow the Millennium Trail. Check in and pledge drop-off begins at 9:30 am with the Walk officially starting at 11:00 a.m.

The family friendly event offers food, drinks and entertainment so come out and make their step the one that ends multiple sclerosis. Online registration is open at www.mswalks.ca

For more information or to get involved in the Scotiabank MS Walk as a volunteer, sponsor or as a participant (individual or team of coworkers, family and friends), visit www.mswalks.ca or call 1-866-991-0577 or locally at 456-7896.

The MS Walk (formerly known as the Super Cities WALK for MS) is the largest national fund-raising program for the MS Society of Canada. In B.C. and Yukon, Scotiabank is the title sponsor of the fund-raiser. The Scotiabank MS Walk offers routes of varying lengths, at least one of which is wheelchair accessible.

Participants raise money by securing pledges to earn prizes. The MS Society gratefully acknowledges national sponsors of the MS Walk program: Student Works Painting, Brink's and Chatelaine.

Multiple Sclerosis is a chronic, often disabling disease of the central nervous system. It is the most common neurological disease of young adults in Canada.

Most people with MS are diagnosed between the ages of 15 and 40, and the unpredictable effects of MS last for the rest of their lives. The MS Society provides services to people with MS and their families and funds research to find the cause, prevention, treatment and cure for this disease.

For more information or to make a donation, please visit www.mssociety.ca, www.endMS.ca or call 1-866-991-0577