For the past 35 years 620 CKRM, along with its listeners, have been supporting the MS Society in Saskatchewan thanks to the MS Musical Christmas Card. This year marks the 36th anniversary of the iconic program which was started by legendary CKRM broadcasters Lorne Harasen and Willy Cole. Today, Ray Alan holds down the hosting duties, which he takes very seriously while still ensuring the listeners are having fun at the same time.
“It’s a great feeling because all the money stays in the province,” stated Ray Alan.
This year, the show will start on December 1st from 9am to noon and continue on December 8th and 15th. All proceeds raised supports those who are dealing with multiple sclerosis in our province. Over the next three Sundays, listeners will be asked to make a small donation to the MS Society in exchange to hear their favourite Christmas song on the radio. What makes the program even more special is that all Christmas music is performed live on the radio by local musicians on the final Sunday, December 15th. Last year, over $43,000 was raised including a large $25,000 donation from Freda LeVesque in honour of her daughter.
“I just play the requests and read the donations. The people step up year after year,” explained Alan.
According to statistics from MS Canada, over 90 thousand Canadians are dealing with MS and, sadly, Saskatchewan has one of the highest rates of the disease. Over 4,300 Canadians are diagnosed every year with the majority being women. In Canada, the average age of diagnosis is 43 while globally the average age is 32.
MS is a neurological disease that affects people in different ways, but the most common symptoms include fatigue, balance issues, bladder and bowl dysfunction, memory problems, depression, mobility challenges, and vision problems. The cause of MS is still being determined, but according to MS Canada there is evidence to link the disease to environmental, genetic, biological, and lifestyle factors.