The Parkinson Association of Alberta has announced the return of the 12th annual Parkinson Step ‘n Stride event in nine Alberta communities the weekend of September 7th and 8th.
Every September, participants from around the province gather as one community and walk for Parkinson’s, which the PAA says has helped raise more than $3.8 million to support and better the lives of those living with or loving someone with Parkinson’s disease.
Each year a theme is selected and this time is no different. According to the PAA, the “Unshakeable” theme for the 2024 event was chosen to celebrate the courage and determination of those living with or caring for someone with Parkinson’s disease.
In 2023, the Step ‘n Stride event saw more than $360K raised and the bar has officially been raised with the goal this year being $400K.
The PAA reports that right now, more than 15,000 Albertans are currently living with PD and Parkinson’s Plus Syndromes, with thousands more affected as caregivers and loved ones.
As a result, the PAA relies heavily on community participation with the Step ‘n Stride fundraiser accounting for more than 20 per cent of the PAA’s annual budget.
In Grande Prairie, the walk is scheduled for September 8th at Muskoseepi Park. Residents can register and donate online on the PAA’s website.
