The event, Help Freeze MS out of Armidale this Winter, will be held at the Armidale City Bowling Club at 6pm on Saturday, July 21.
Last week the MP met with Armidale District MS Branch President Wendy Berkley who was diagnosed with the disease four years ago.
“Wendy has told me MS is much more prevalent in colder climates and that there are approximately 100 people known to have been diagnosed in the local area and probably many more than that,” he said.
“The local branch aims to raise money to help people with MS to heat and cool their homes because they are particularly sensitive to temperature extremes and to buy other equipment they might need, such as scooters.
“This is a very real attempt to raise funds locally to help local people in such a practical way and I congratulate Wendy and her team for taking this initiative.”
Ms Berkley said the event would include a three-course meal, a fashion parade organised by Liz Foster from the Australian Wool Fashion Awards and the Armidale Folk Museum, music by Sidetracked, raffles, auctions and lucky door prizes.
“MS research is poorly funded compared to other chronic diseases and it is very costly for individuals who live with it,” she said.
“It is predominantly a cold-climate illness, so part of the purpose of this fundraiser is to raise awareness so that those who are suffering from this disease in silence will know that there is now support available in their own region.
“There are a lot of things MS sufferers miss out on and our aim, through the organisation, is to fill in the gaps.”
Ms Berkley said her group also aimed to run education programs and information sessions to help people with MS, as well as their carers and friends, to understand the disease better and how to access the help they need.
Tickets for the fundraiser are available at the Armidale City Bowling Club or by phoning 6772 5666.
