Comedy night for MS to raise money and lots of laughs

It’s a night meant for laughter and giving to a good cause.

The second annual Comedy Night for MS is tonight at the Lakeland Brewing Company in St. Paul. Leading the bill is comedian Scott Belford with his usual opener Steve McGovern.

Brenda Rosychuk, regional director, MS Society Lakeland Region, said the reason for the fundraiser is to increase the quality of life for those affected by multiple sclerosis.

“We have money that goes back towards programs and services in our Lakeland region (65 towns) …trying to increase the quality of life for those living with MS….and supporting people who need equipment, one-to-one counselling, caregiver support, all of those sorts of things,” she said.

“The second pillar of money raised goes toward MS research. And that’s been proven in the last four years, there was actually a survey done, called Listening to People affected by MS, that all the stats came back where people wanted more of the money going back to MS research, finding new medications and a cure.”

Tickets for the event are $25 in advance or $30 at the door. Rosychuk said there are very few still available.

Scott Belford has become “a road warrior” of Canadian standup. He performs all across the country for various corporate or college events.

He was connected to the MS Society through the Lakeland Brewing Company.

“He is coming from Saskatoon to Edmonton and he reached out to Colin from Lakeland Brewing Company to see if he wanted to have a show on his way…and Colin and I had been talking about another Comedy Night for MS, so it was just the perfect opportunity to make it happen,” said Rosychuk.

The first event held last year was “completely” sold out, so there’s more seating available for this year’s show.

The MS Society runs fundraisers throughout the year, like the MS Walk or Burgers to beat MS, while raising money at Pontiacs and Junior B games.

Opener Bob Mattice had to cancel for the event, said Rosychuk.

St. Paul RCMP Ball to give proceeds to MS Society Lakeland

Earlier this week the MS Society Lakeland announced they were the chosen recipients of the funds raised at the upcoming St. Paul RCMP Ball on Apr. 6.

“I think I was pretty speechless at the time because we were very honoured to be a part of this very prestigious event in town. To receive the proceeds from that really means a lot to us and our region,” said Rosychuk.

The RCMP Ball chooses a different cause to donate towards each time.