Volunteers Tina Essler and Kelly Cartwright were handing out slices of cake, Timbits and refreshments by donation at 100 Mile House Safeway on Aug. 9.
The Safeway and Muscular Dystrophy Canada campaign Make Muscles Move supports those affected by neuromuscular disorders, and raises awareness about them.
Local Safeway manager Sean Watson says the store participates in this fundraiser every year.
It runs until the end of August and awards five Air Miles for each $2 donation at the till, he explains.
"100 Mile House Safeway is pleased to once again be a part of this worthy campaign that provides much-needed assistance and equipment for people with neuromuscular disorders."
Muscular Dystrophy Canada has partnered with Safeway stores in Western Canada to raise funds to support the Safeway Mobility Grant Program (SMGP), as well as post-secondary scholarships for young adults and to fund important research.
South Cariboo resident Tina Essler is a key volunteer at the annual event, and has previously received personal assistance through the program.
"It helps people with these types of diseases to become more mobile – so they are not stuck at home."
Essler and Cartwright handed out cake and cold refreshments from Safeway and coffee and Timbits contributed by Tim Hortons – all by donation to Make Muscles Move.
Information packets, volunteer opportunities and a sign-up sheet for a local support group were also on hand.
Watson says the fundraising amount won't be tallied until the end of the month, but a good portion of the "huge" cake was devoured so he knows it went well on Aug. 9.
The SMGP assists people with neuromuscular disorders by providing mobility aids – from wheelchairs and scooters to leg braces and lift chairs.
Essler has mitochondrial disease, and says she previously received a wheelchair from the grant program.
While recent improvements mean she does not need to use it right now, Essler says she will be wheelchair-bound again within a few years.
More information on the grant is online at muscle.ca/we-can-help/financial-assistance/safeway-mobility-grant-western-canada.