Student-Athlete Advisory Committee | 6/12/2016 1:42:00 PM

ABBOTSFORD, BC – Simon Fraser University student-athletes from across multiple sports gathered at Mill Lake Park in Abbotsford, BC on Saturday to volunteer at the Fraser Valley Walk for ALS.

Long-time SFU equipment assistant Greg St. Germain was the walk coordinator for this year's event, and has been involved with the ALS Society of BC for 15 years. "Years ago I realized that people with ALS really need help. If a person in the family has it, the whole family is affected," said St. Germain. "Going out there and doing the walk raises awareness and helps raise money for research to find a cure for the disease. ."
 

St. Germain rallied members of the Clan football, volleyball, women's basketball and women's soccer teams to get involved. The student-athletes helped set up and run various fundraising stations at the walk and spearheaded a flash mob.
 
"The Fraser Valley Walk for ALS is a great way for us to get involved with the community and give back," said Olivia Aguiar, SFU Student-Athlete Advisory Committee president and women's soccer player. "We are also here to support Greg, who has given so much to us at the equipment desk, so this is the least we can do to say 'thank you' while giving back to a great cause."

ALS, or amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, is a progressive neurodegenerative disease that affects nerve cells in the brain and the spinal cord, leaving those affected in a state of progressive paralysis. Roughly 3,000 Canadians are suffering from this disease, 80% of whom will die within five years of diagnosis. The month of June is dedicated to raising awareness and educating the public on ALS and its cause.
 
This year's event raised over $60,000 and the donations will go towards finding a cure and providing help for ALS patients and their families. "Of the money that was raised during the walk, 40% will go directly to research and the other 60% funds patient care and medical equipment," St. Germain added.

Fans who want to join us in making a difference can donate online.

Following the summer off-season, SFU student-athletes will be back in action in mid-August for the 2016-17 season. Be sure to follow SFU Athletics on Twitter (@SFUClan) for the latest news and on Instagram (@SFUClan) for behind-the-scenes photos.

--@SFUClan--