Afternoon of fun planned for Step N’ Stride

By Samantha Johnson Local Journalism Initiative Reporter on September 3, 2022.

The 10th annual Step ‘N Stride Walk for Parkinson’s takes place Sunday at Kin Coulee Park at 1 p.m. Everyone is invited to the afternoon of activities.

“This is our first real event back in a full way since the pandemic,” said Lana Tordoff, executive director of the Parkinson Association of Alberta. “I will be in Medicine Hat on the day, and we have this incredible support, which is wonderful. We are hoping the whole community comes out and not just those living with Parkinson’s. It’s a great opportunity for the community to get together as a whole.”

Along the walking routes there will be trivia games and numerous photo opportunities.

“It’s not a race, nobody is timing people. As you are walking, getting fresh air and exercise, you get to stop and do fun things as well,” said Tordoff.

There will be lots of activities for kids to enjoy in the family fun zone, all sponsored by Mint Smartwash. There will be a pirate ship bouncy castle and slide combo area, a Treasure Island inflatable obstacle course, an inflatable axe throwing experience for all ages, and a full foam-party experience with lava cannons, lights and music. Additionally, the Sensational-Path Sensory bus for kids activities will also be onsite.

Campfire Entertainment will be there holding group sing-alongs and karaoke. Food is also important with Save on Foods sponsoring the post-walk barbecue. Organizers are crossing their fingers the great weather will continue for this fundraiser.

“Medicine Hat is an important part of our operations in Alberta,” stated Tordoff. “As a result of the pandemic, we’ve lacked a certain amount of contact so it’s very exciting for us to be back and making sure people know they have support when they need it.”

All proceeds stay in Medicine Hat to provide support to people living with or loving someone with Parkinson’s disease or Parkinson’s Plus Syndromes.

Step N’ Stride fundraisers will be taking place across Alberta on Sept. 10-11. This is the biggest fundraiser of the year for PAA, bringing in 20 per cent of their annual income, which they use to offer services, programs, advocacy efforts and research contributions.

Over 15,000 Albertans are affected by Parkinson Disease or Parkinson’s Plus Syndromes, for which there is no cure.

In Medicine Hat and surrounding area there are about 400 individuals are affected plus a few thousand care partners who support them.