Team will raise money by scaling Machu Picchu

BY JUSTIN SKINNER  on July 17, 2008
THE MIRROR – City Centre

A group of residents from across Toronto are helping in the fight against multiple sclerosis, expanding their horizons and seeing the world in the process.

License to Cure, which consists of 25 to 30 members, is looking to raise $150,000 for the Multiple Sclerosis Society of Canada by collecting pledges and climbing Machu Picchu in Peru. The climb is one in a series of annual events planned by the group to help raise money and awareness for MS.

The group was founded by Toronto resident Ralph Cochrane, who backpacked around the world in 2005 and decided to pair his love of travel with his dream of helping those with multiple sclerosis. His mother was struck with the disease in the 1970s. ”I came up with this idea to raise $1 million for MS in five years,” Cochrane said. “I wanted to create this once-in-a-lifetime experience for people that they could really celebrate, not only for themselves because they’re taking this challenge on, but also do it for a really good cause.”

He explained his idea to a group of friends, many of whom jumped on board, eager to take up the challenge and tackle some of the world’s greatest climbs and walks to help out.

“It’s amazing,” Cochrane said of his MS Climb. “It comes from nothing. I created this wild idea: how do I mix my fundraising for MS with wanting to see the world and sharing that with people. And boom. It has just taken off.”

Team member Hope Armstrong said the climb is not as formally organized as other big fundraisers such as the Relay for Life walk, but she noted that the group is no less dedicated to ensuring that it becomes a success. ”It’s just something a group of people decided to do, and we’re going to do a different location each time,” she said. “Next year, we’re thinking of climbing Mount Kilimanjaro.”

Each team member is responsible for raising at least $7,500 in order to participate in the climb. While the Machu Picchu climb will be challenging, Armstrong said the hardy crew will be up to the task. ”It’s mostly fitness of mind from what I hear,” she said. “You have to keep the mindset that you won’t give up and won’t give in, which is something that MS patients face.”

To aid in their fundraising efforts, the group will hold a Casino Royale Gala event on Wednesday, with charity gambling tables, a silent auction, a 50/50 draw and live entertainment including a headlining performance by the Tewlips. ”It’ll be a really fun event for a really great cause, so we’re hoping to get a really good turnout,” Armstrong said.

The event, which is open to guests 19 years of age and older, will take place at Peridot Resto Lounge, 81 Bloor Street East, at 7 p.m. on Wednesday, July 23. Tickets are $25 in advance or $30 at the door. For tickets or information, contact Hope Armstrong at 416-778-5821 or info@jacksoninc.ca. For more information on the team, visit www.msclimb.ca