The challenge went out early and the Energy City responded with 34 official walkers being joined by a few more friends and family members for the first-ever Parkinson's SuperWalk on Sunday afternoon.
Stephanie Schweitzer, community engagement co-ordinator in Saskatchewan for Parkinson Canada, said there were five provincial communities engaged in the walk this year with Estevan and Moose Jaw participating for the first time.
Elaine Murray and Jessica Lewgood were a couple of local organizers who co-ordinated the local effort that attracted the official and unofficial participants.
“It’s not a hard number yet, but it seems as if Estevan will have raised about $5,000 for Parkinson’s research and education,” said Todd McPherson, Parkinson Saskatchewan managing director.
Schweitzer was in Estevan on Sunday, assisting with the registration and pledge collection process. She said the goal was to raise between $100,000 and $112,000 in the province this year with the five walks. On Monday, McPherson confirmed that, when all the books are cleared, the tally should be about $105,000.
The walks netted the foundation about $22,000 in Regina and $11,000 in Moose Jaw while the second-term team effort in Herbert, raised $6,000, with the rest of the contributions coming from Saskatoon and area.
“We know these are tough economic times, not just here, but right around the province,” said Schweitzer, so any money that can be raised is welcomed in an effort to continue research on the disease.
“Your support group here in Estevan is very strong and the Estevan board is an active one. You have a reputation for being community minded, so this is a wonderful start,” she added, just before the official walk began following words of thanks to local sponsors and words of encouragement from Murray and a few directions for the walkers who would be making nine laps on the Affinity Place track which would indicate they had completed the entire two-kilometre walk.
“We are engaged in a few more conversations with Saskatchewan community leaders, and we hope to add another town or city or two for next year’s walk,” said McPherson.
