Kelowna's Walk to End ALS strolls through downtown

Over 100 participants dressed in purple gathered at Waterfront Park’s Island Stage on Sunday afternoon to take part in Kelowna’s Walk to End ALS.

Originally dubbed the Walk for ALS, the event has taken on a new name all across Canada to further drive home the point of making the disease "treatable rather than terminal".

“We really want to focus on making ALS a treatable illness, not something that is immediately a death sentence,” said Nancy Arbuckle, the walk's coordinator.

“Even with the leaps and bounds made through research we still don’t know the cause but we do know it can impact anybody at any time — it is not specific to any age or gender.”

The goal of Kelowna’s walk was to raise a cool $32,000 and according to Arbuckle, the hardworking teams had already managed to muster up 65% of that prior to setting out at 11:30 a.m. this morning.

“It is just fantastic, it has been so great to see the returning families, teams and volunteers that come back year after year to raise funds for the ALS Society of B.C. and we are just so grateful,” added Arbuckle.

Of the funds raised, 60% will go directly into patient care in B.C. to bolster various programs such as equipment-loaning or providing caretakers for those in need, with the other 40% going toward research.

Participant and co-coordinator of the walk Louise Gauthier lost her mother to ALS not long ago – and is now passionate about giving back to those who once gave to her.

“It is all about giving back,” said Gauthier.

“Every piece of equipment and all of the support that we had was incredible, so it is now an opportunity to give back to the community and help the people with ALS get comfort, care and research.”

Before setting off on their brief stroll along the waterfront, participants could enjoy live music from the Zamboni Brothers, grab a bite at the by-donation-barbeque or bid on a number of great items in the silent auction.

Sunshine, smiles, and support made up the 2019 Walk to End ALS and there is no doubt our big-hearted community is doing its part to help make a difference in the lives of many.