Parksville is hosting the Parkinson Superwalk, an annual fundraiser for the Parkinson Society Canada on Sept. 6.
Registration is at 10 a.m., across from the ball fields at the picnic shelter in Community Park. The walk starts at 11 a.m. and will showcase the beautiful waterfront.
This is the first year that the walk will be held in the waterfront park. Previously it took place at the Hof Waldek farm in French Creek. The decision to move the walk was made by the local Parkinson’s Support Group, led by facilitator Doug Pickard.
“We made the decision to move the walk this year in the hopes of raising the exposure of our event and increasing the number of walkers that come out” he said.
“It was a difficult decision to make, as we were treated so well by the owners of the farm. But in the end, it felt like the right time for a change.” Pickard, a local personal trainer, began working with people with Parkinson’s disease (PD) about five years ago.
“I met an incredible lady named Donna Kimpton, who came to me in search of an exercise program to help her combat her PD symptoms,” he said.
“I learned about this awful disease through Donna and many of her friends who followed suit in seeking out some help with their physical activities. Soon I began a specific exercise class just for people with PD, which still continues to this day.”
“From the beginning I’ve been constantly amazed by their positive attitudes and sense of play and humour,” Pickard said. “Working with these wonderful people has been a constant source of joy and fulfillment.”
To participate in the Superwalk, register online at www.parkinson.bc.ca/SuperWalk or show up the day of the walk. Walkers are encouraged to seek pledges, but it’s not necessary.