Parkinson Canada fundraising walk draws another large crowd
The Parkinson Canada Superwalk in Swift Current generated another super total during their 2018 walk on Saturday, September 1.
This year the walk attracted approximately 160 participants, and they surpassed their fundraising total by collecting $16,500. Organizers were aiming to bring in $15,000, which would have been a slight increase from the $14,000 collected last year. Part of the reason for the increase was the success of a fundraising raffle which included a quilt made by local Parkinson Support Group member Carol Kuntz. This raffle made $1,180.
“It’s just an incredible turnout and incredible engagement,” explained Todd Macpherson, Parkinson Canada Managing Director, Saskatchewan. As the fourth time a Superwalk has been hosted in the Southwest, this year’s walk continued the upward growth of the event since it began in 2015.
“When they started it four years ago in Herbert, we were surprised that 40 some people came out,” Mcpherson recalled. “So when they moved it last year to Swift Current, we were excited, but we never expected the engagement and turnout.”
Mcpherson highlighted the financial support generated during the walk has a major impact in the fight against Parkinson’s.
“We invest a large chunk of course into research. As well as education and support services to everybody who is diagnosed across Canada. We provide support groups. We provide educational services for them. We also do education for healthcare professionals. And then we also are engaged in advocacy on a national and a provincial level where needs arise.”