Pipestone Flyer
Leduc’s Safeway store manager, Kelly Worobec, announced the launching of the store’s campaign, “Make Muscles Move” in conjunction with Muscular Dystrophy Canada. Last year, the Leduc store contributed $2,833 towards the nearly one million that was raised by Safeway Stores throughout western Canada.
In the past six years, with the partnering between Safeway and the Muscular Dystrophy Canada, the program has raised 7.5 million. Over 572 specialized pieces of equipment have been donated to families in western Canada from Safeway’s Mobility Grant fund.
This year’s campaign started on July 31st and will conclude on August 16th. For every $2.00 donated during the campaign, customers will receive 5 Air Miles Reward Miles. The Leduc Safeway store will also host a hot dog sale on August 5th from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. and a 50/50 draw which will be drawn on August 15th.
Muscular Dystrophy (MD) is a group of muscle diseases that result in the weakening of musculoskeletal system and hampers locomotion. To date, nine major types of muscular dystrophy have been identified. These conditions are generally inherited and there is no known cure. There is no specific treatment for any of the forms of muscular dystrophy, however occupational therapy has shown to assist individuals with MD along with adaptive equipment to improve their quality of life.
When Emily Wirth was 18 months old, her parents, Patty and Merve, became concerned that her speech and mobility seemed to be delayed over their older daughter Trinity. It was then they discovered that Emily had congenital muscular dystrophy. Since that time Emily and her family have become spoke persons for Muscular Dystrophy Canada. This year, Emily will be the Ambassador for the Edmonton Walk for Muscular Dystrophy to be held on September 6th at the Gold Bar Park from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
On Thursday, July 31st, Emily, her Mom Patty, and sister Trinity were at Leduc Safeway to help kick off Safeway’s campaign for MD. Emily is a typical five-year-old, shy around strangers, but always with a beautiful smile.
Emily’s sister is the spokesperson for the two of them and was quite excited when she explained how the kid-walker, provided by the Mobility Grant, allows Emily to chase Trinity around the house. Trinity humorously expressed that she might not be able to escape now that they are moving into a bigger house.
The Wirth family recognizes the assistance they have received from Muscular Dystrophy Canada and are among the first to lend a hand in helping Muscular Dystrophy Canada. Not only is Emily an Ambassador for the Edmonton Walk, she has raised $7,500 towards the Walk and has a goal of raising $10,000.
Pictured: Trinity (left) and Emily Wirth. Photo by Tom Dirsa