Parkinson Association’s annual Step and Stride raises local money for those affected

By ANNA SMITH Local Journalism Initiative on August 21, 2025.

asmith@medicinehatnews.com

The Parkinson Association of Alberta is hosting its 13th annual Step and Stride Event on Saturday, Sept. 6.

“Every September, participants from across Alberta gather as one community and walk for Parkinson’s. Their incredible efforts have raised more than $4.3 million to help support a better life for those living with and loving someone with Parkinson disease and Atypical Parkinsonism,” PAA says.

The peer-to-peer fundraising event celebrates the victories of those with the condition as well as their loved ones, and raised more than $425,000 for the local Parkinson’s community in 2024. This year, they hope to raise $440,000.

More than 15,000 Albertans are currently living with Parkinson disease and Atypical Parkinsonism, with tens of thousands more affected as caregivers and family members, says PAA, and there is no cure. This event aims to shed light on their stories, as well as raise critical funds for supports, services, programs, advocacy efforts and research contributions.

“This year, our theme is PUSH; we PUSH together, we PUSH ourselves, we continue to PUSH forward in our own personal journeys, whether you know and love someone with Parkinson disease or are diagnosed, we continue to PUSH with determination, resilience, support and in so many other ways,” said PAA.

Step ‘n Stride is PAA’s largest fundraiser of the year and accounts for over 20 per cent of its annual budget. For more information, residents are encouraged to visit parkinsonassociation.ca.

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