Sunshine replaced summer rains as between 100 and 120 participants gathered at Bud Miller All Seasons Park for the 14th annual Step ‘n Stride Lloydminster walk, raising vital funds and awareness for Parkinson’s disease.
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Organized by the Parkinson Association of Alberta, the event was rescheduled by one week this year to avoid conflicting with Rosh Hashanah.
“Today is all about celebrating our Parkinson community, raising awareness, raising funds, in that order,” said Lance Corbett, communications manager for the Parkinson Association of Alberta. “It’s not a day to be sad or depressed. It’s a day to celebrate togetherness.”
MLA Garth Rowswell (centre), gets warmed up for the 14th annual Step ‘n Stride at
Bud Miller All Seasons Park on Sept. 19. Taylor Weaver – Meridian Source
Parkinson’s disease is the fastest-growing neurological disorder in the world. Approximately 15,000 Albertans live with the condition, with around 100,000 people impacted when including family members and caregivers.
Last year, the province-wide Step ‘n Stride campaign raised nearly $400,000, including about $17,000 in Lloydminster. Corbett noted that local fundraising totals exceeded last year’s figures, with every dollar raised in the city remaining local to fund free support groups, active physical fitness sessions and cognitive and speech programs.
Participants chose between 1K and 3K routes around the park, supported by local businesses including Domino’s, Cobs Bread, Wellings and Medicare Lloydminster.
“What we find in small towns like Lloyd is they’re very tight-knit,” Corbett said. “The community really steps up to always help.”
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