FEBRUARY 2008 -- It's a party with a purpose and folks across the country are busy planning gatherings and dreaming up party themes in preparation for the MS Global Dinner Party on Saturday, February 23. They'll be joined by others around the world hosting parties in support of research to end multiple sclerosis.

"We believe that the MS Global Dinner Party is a great opportunity to raise awareness of a devastating disease that knows no borders," says Ken Mayhew, national vice-president, fundraising, MS Society of Canada.

The get-together can take any form, with the host asking guests to make a donation for MS rather than bringing a gift, wine or flowers. From a dance hall party in Ontario to an oceanfront luncheon in Vancouver, these diverse and memorable gatherings are making an impact.

Money raised from the MS Global Dinner Party has helped fund ground-breaking research such as a recent Canadian study that found that minocycline, a common acne medication, may delay the progression of MS. The MS Society of Canada has funded a large clinical trial in the hope that, if proven effective, this oral medication will offer an inexpensive option for the treatment of early MS. Studies of this nature provide direction for additional treatments and possible cures to multiple sclerosis.

For more information about the MS Global Dinner Party and how to get involved visit www.msglobaldinnerparty.ca or call 1-866-922-6065.

About Multiple Sclerosis and the MS Society of Canada:
Multiple Sclerosis is a chronic, often disabling disease of the brain and spinal cord. It is the most common neurological disease of young adults in Canada. Most people with MS are diagnosed between the ages of 15-40, and the unpredictable effects of MS last for the rest of their lives. The MS Society of Canada provides services to people with MS and their families and funds research to find the cause and cure. The MS Society is the highest per capita funder of MS research in the world. For questions about multiple sclerosis and the work of the MS Society of Canada, visit the MS Society's website at www.mssociety.ca or call toll-free at 1-866-922-6065.

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We would be very grateful if your newspaper would help raise awareness of the MS Global Dinner Party by printing the attached MS Society's PSA filler ads any time throughout the year.

MS Society of Canada, National Contact:
Daniela Patane, National Coordinator, Marketing and Communications
416.922.6600/1.866.922.6065 ext.2327, daniela.patane@mssociety.ca

Interview and Photo Opportunities: Thousands of Canadians live with the unpredictable effects of multiple sclerosis every day. Please contact Daniela Patane to help arrange an interview or local photo opportunity.