Annual Walk for Parkinson’s changes venue last minute

The annual Walk for Parkinson’s disease, like many other events, had to ‘go with the flow’ this year due to Covid restrictions.

The walk was to take place at North Shore Park in Port Elgin in Sunday, September 12th (2021).  Unfortunately, however, a major storm thought to be a tornado, swept through the area destroying many of the trees in the Park so that the venue had to be changed at the last minute.

     Volunteers Leah Coulthart-Howe and Amanda Froese at Fairy Lake Walk for Parkinson’s

The annual Walk was moved to the tranquil Fairy Lake in Southampton where walkers were able to walk at their own pace around the ‘Little Lake’.

Mayor Luke Charbonneau said that Saugeen Shores is very happy to have the event in the community again this year.  “This is a wonderful opportunity to raise funds for this very important cause.”

Mark Womack

Grey Bruce Parkinson’s Co-ordinator, Mark Womack, says that the funds raised locally stay local.  “The funds help to support local referral programs, music and exercise therapy and support groups for caregivers, families and patients.   The patients get the best services locally without having to pay which is extremely important for many of the families.”

 

Long-time participant and supporter, Pastor Bob Cotie, his wife Debby and their entire family again took part in the 2021 event as they have in the past.  Cotie personally raised $2,543 this year resulting in more than $10,000 raised for the event.

The Cotie Family – for larger view, Click on Image

 

Long-time volunteer organizer, Leah Coulthart-Howe, supports her mother Pat and Bob.

According to Womack, at last count, more than $10,000 was raised through the virtual on-line fundraiser although a final total has not yet been determined.