This weekend will see a number of walks for the Parkinson Society of Southwestern Ontario.
The annual walk for Parkinson's will be taking place on September 6-7, and as Marketing and Communications Specialist Grace Ki shares, the walks are extremely important.
"It will be happening in 14 different locations across southwestern Ontario. It is our largest fundraiser, bringing communities together to raise awareness and funds that go directly to supporting people living with Parkinson's," Ki explained.
Parkinson's is a neurodegenerative disease that attacks the central nervous system. It can cause stiffness, tremors, slower motor function and movement and even problems with balance.
Ki says you can visit walkforpd.ca to register or donate, and you can even register or donate the day of at the walks.
In Midwestern Ontario, walks will be held on September 6 in Goderich, Owen Sound, Hanover and Stratford, and on September 7 in Grand Bend and Port Elgin. Ki notes that it's very easy to register yourself or a team.
"To register for the walk, you can go to our website, walkforpd.ca, and if you're having trouble, you can call our main office in London at 1-888-851-7376," Ki shared.
With all the money being raised going towards support, Ki says the walks are extremely important, especially for those living with the disease.
"All the funds that are raised stay local to provide programs and services in the surrounding area. We have lots of different workshops, programs and we have a couple webinars for people that have mobility issues and have trouble coming out to the programs," added Ki.
From a personal perspective, Ki says it's been really satisfying to see the events growing every year with more and more support.
"It's really exciting to see the message of the Parkinson Society of Southwestern Ontario growing, the community growing, all the people coming out and seeing how they're getting all the support and resources that they need," Ki concluded.