Participants at the MS Walk will start their journey to the marching music of the Sea Cadet Corps 136 as they trek along the shores of the harbourfront walkway.
For several years the Sea Cadets have serenaded people as they rounded the Cameron Island leg of the walk, but this is the first time they will be at the start line. It’s also the first time the cadets are entering a team in the walk.
Yvonne Hedley, administrator and fundraiser for the Central Island Chapter of the MS Society of Canada, said she’s happy the cadets are participating and leading the walk this year, which is Sunday (April 17) at Maffeo Sutton Park.
“We’re just thrilled, just excited to see the 40 sea cadets dressed in uniform,” said Hedley. “It’s going to be a beautiful sight.”
Lieut. Darrell Dudley, who oversees the cadets, said members are proud to be participating in the event.
“They enjoy being in the community and showing support,” said Dudley. “It’s just fabulous. It’s an awesome opportunity for them.”
More than 20 members of the 70 in the Sea Cadet Corps 136 will participate in the event. Dudley said the walk falls in line with the corp’s values of leadership, community involvement, physical fitness and more. Members of the Sea Cadets range in ages from 12-18 years old.
The walk is the central island chapter’s largest fundraiser of the year and the 2010 walk raised $75,000. Hedley said the chapter wants to meet last year’s fundraising total.
“This disease can be very challenging. It challenges the motor skills and every day can be a bit different,” said Hedley. “One day a person can be walking and then next they are in a wheelchair.”
Hedley said the event is about fun and a day of unity to support people suffering from MS.
Money raised funds support groups, the volunteer legal assistance program, workshops, the adaptive fitness program, education, the resource library as well as research.
People can enjoy a day of family fun activities including face painting, live music, onstage entertainment by performers such as Brent and Woofy, Bobbi Schram and Mike Nicols.
People can choose from a three, six or nine kilometre route along the waterfront, starting at Maffeo Sutton Park. The walk starts at 10:30 a.m. Registration and pledge drop-off begins at 8:30 a.m.
To register or donate please call Hedley at 250-754-6321 or go to http://mssociety.ca/centralisland.
