The upcoming Parkinson Association of Alberta Step’n Stride event in Grande Prairie will start earlier then in previous years. Parkinson Association Communication Director Lance Corbett says after last year’s event, they received feedback from participants expressing that a 9 a.m. start would be better than the 1 p.m.
Corbett explains that each Step’n Stride event is made unique to its community, with the overall framework staying the same. From people showing up at the event location and dropping off any donations they have received, speeches from local leaders, the walk, and it is all wrapped up with a post-walk BBQ, including lawn games and entertainment.
“What it is really meant to be is a fun day for our community and their circle, their friends and family, to get together, enjoy some socializing, – and fundraise for Parkinson in Alberta.”
He says everyone fundraises in their own way, whether registering online as part of a team or individual or creating a team by asking friends or family and collecting donations online. Another way is by collecting money over time and bringing it to the September 10th event, along with a registration form. The Grande Prairie event has a kilometer, three-kilometer, or five-kilometer route participants can take.
“If they choose to not walk or just walk 50 feet or around the water fountain, that works too, its whatever works for them.”
Corbett adds the Step’n Stride event is important because the Parkinson Association of Alberta supports everyone across the province with PD and PD Plus, with the majority of the association’s funding coming from fundraising. The money raised through the annual campaign makes up close to 40 per cent of the organization’s annual funding.
“All the money raised in Alberta stays in Alberta; it stays within our community to support them, support their care partners, create the programs and support groups we do, all the education materials, all the money stays within the province.”
Across the province in 2022, there was around $330,000 raised, with this year’s goal being around $400,000 and around 2,000 participants across the province.
The Grande Prairie event is September 10th, starting at the Ernie Radbourne Pavilion in Muskoseepi Park at 9 a.m.