10th Annual Okanagan Family AIDS Walk
Sets New Walker Number Record…Again!
For the 10th consecutive year, the sun shone brightly as hundreds of people gathered on Sunday, September 24th at Waterfront Park in Kelowna for the Okanagan Family AIDS Walk. Over 700 walkers raised pledges for the fundraising event put on by the Living Positive Resource Centre. All of the funds raised by the walk stay right here in our community to help support individuals and families whose lives have been affected by HIV/AIDS, and for education and prevention programs. Total cash raised to date was $47,700, with further donations to come. In-kind corporate donations (NOT cash brought in) totalled $22,000.
A stellar cast of Celebrity Walkers included 2006 AIDS Walk Chairman Lois Serwa; 2006 Honourary AIDS Walk Chair and Canadian Trampoline Team member Sarah Charles; Former AIDS Walk Chairs; Kelowna Lake Country MP Ron Cannan; Kelowna Mayor Sharon Shepherd; Rhonda Victoor; Kelowna Mission MLA Sindi Hawkins; Rev. Albert Baldeo; and CHBC's Mike Roberts & Mohini Singh.
This year also saw the largest number of teams participating including Bernard Callebaut Chocolates, Team Lois (Serwa), Kelowna Actors Studio, SUN FM/Oldies, Interior Savings Fast Cats, MAC Cosmetics, Starbucks, Canada World Youth Exchange, Team Dina (Kotler), The A.C.E.S., Crossroads Clan, Sunridge Community Church, Ki-Low-Na Friendship Society, Sarah's (Charles) Team, Team OK College, and the Lake Country Alliance Church Team. Out of town teams included Team NOYFSS from Vernon and SOGALA and Penticton United Church from Penticton.
The Top Team Corporate Winners were once again Bernard Callebaut Chocolate Chips with another recording breaking total of $12,826.80. Top Team Non-Corporate was Team Lois (Serwa) with a total of $9,852.00. Top Individual Fundraiser was once again Linda Forrest with a total of $1,310.00, while Top Fundraiser within a team saw five-time winner Tracy Hansen of Bernard Callebaut Chocolates upset by AIDS Walk Chair Lois Serwa, who came in with a recording breaking $8,542.00. Eldest Walker prize was won by Mel Merton with Youngest Walker honors going to 2-year-old Miss Woolridge.
It was a party like atmosphere as the crowd was entertained by local performers Smashlee and her Wee Guitar and the Rowdymen. M & M Meats, Starbucks, Marble Slab Creamery and the Smoothie Guy ensured everyone was fueled up for the 3 km walk along the waterfront.
All in all, it was a fabulous day that showed astonishing community support for this great cause. AIDS Walk Chair Lois Serwa stated, “We set out not only to raise funds, but to raise awareness. As I look out over this huge crowd, I'd say we've managed to do just that.”
Many thanks to all of the volunteers, walkers and sponsors for making this day such a success! |
