KAMLOOPS — More than three hundred people came out for Kamloops ninth annual Walk for ALS Saturday morning.
People affected by ALS, as well family, friends, and community members walked and strolled throughout the park to raise money for research in the hope of one day finding a cure for the neurodegenerative disease.
According to ALS Society of British Columbia Executive Director Wendy Toyer, this year’s event was record-breaking on numerous fronts.
“We raised $62-thousand which is the largest amount ever raised at the Kamloops walk in the nine years we’ve been doing it,” said Toyer. “We also raised the largest online amount in the history of walks in B.C which is a 13 year history and I’m talking every community, so it’s quite extrordinary.”
Pat Tomlinson, Walk Coordinator for the Kamloops ALS Walk, says the event is just as much about spreading awareness as it is raising funds.
“It’s getting the word out on what is ALS? Who are the people affected by ALS?” said Tomlinson. “That’s really important because it may be your next door neighbour and you don’t even know it. It’s not as well known as cancer but it’s affecting a lot of people.”
Toyer says scientists are 75 per cent of the way towards finding an effective treatment for the disease thanks in part to fundraising events like the ALS Walk and the Ice Bucket Challenge.
