Bagpiper Steve Wolfe carried out the Saugeen Shores Walk-it for Parkinson's tradition September 8 as he led the over 70 participants as they began their walk through North Shore Park at the fourth annual event. Participants travelled a 2 km or 5 km route along the Lake Huron shoreline with funds raised supporting local families through the Parkinson Society Southwestern Ontario. Photo submitted
Hub Staff
On Sunday, September 8, participants at the fourth annual Walk-it for Parkinson’s fundraiser stepped it up and raised a record $22,177. Walkers from Kincardine, Saugeen Shores and area came together to support friends and relatives who suffer from Parkinson’s disease. Saugeen Shores Mayor Luke Charbonneau expressed his appreciation for the opportunity to once again host the regional event in Port Elgin. Charbonneau went on the congratulate Saugeen Shores for being “a community of leaders who every day identify issues in our community and go one step further to identify ways to solve these issues."
Huron-Bruce MPP Lisa Thompson conveyed her thanks to all who attended the event and shared the unfortunate news that her own uncle had been diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease only days before the event. “We’re all thinking of someone,” stated Thompson.
Prizes for the leading fundraisers were donated by local businesses including Scandinave Spa, Greyfair Flooring and Bruce County Museum & Cultural Centre. The top solo walkers were Bob Cotie who single-handedly raised $3,560, followed by Gary Dale with a total of $2,695 and Clara Howe in third with $1,750. The highest fundraising teams were the Cotie Cruisers, Pat’s Pack and Grandpa Willy’s Team who raised $3,785, $2,525 and $150 respectively.
Snacks and drinks were provided by Tim Horton’s and Giant Tiger to fuel the walkers and Holly Vanderzwet of Saugeen Shores Fitness Corner and Fitness Corner South got everyone’s blood pumping before they set out on their journey.
Over 70 participants gathered for the 2019 Walk-it for Parkinson’s in North Shore Park on Sunday, September 8. Funds raised will support programs and services aimed to improve the quality of life for those living with Parkinson’s disease in southern Ontario.
The top fundraising team, Cotie Cruisers, posed with Team Captain Bob Cotie at the 2019 Walk-it for Parkinson’s at North Shore Park. Bob Cotie was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease nine years ago. Photo submitted
Pat’s Pack raised over $2,500 for the Parkinson Society Southwestern Ontario at the Walk-it for Parkinson’s in Port Elgin September 8. Photo submitted
Fitness Corner's Holly Vanderzwet set the crowd in motion with her spirited warmup which preceded the Walk-it for Parkinson’s in Port Elgin September 8.
Participants to the fourth annual Walk-it for Parkinson's got their blood flowing on a chilly afternoon September 8.
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