Kamloops displays generosity at annual Walk for ALS

Jun 18, 2016 | 12:16 PM

KAMLOOPS — Cloudy skies were unable to cast a shadow over Saturday’s Walk for ALS in Kamloops. 

Hundreds of people participated in what was the greatest turnout for the event since it began in the city seven years ago. 

The ALS Society of B.C.’s Executive Director, Wendy Toyer, said there were 419 walkers this year and more than $37,000 raised.

“I think what stands out to me is … the number of teams that are here,” Toyer said. “We’re talking teams of upwards of over 100 people together, standing. They’ve all got shirts that are supporting the person that is living with ALS or the person that has been lost to ALS.”

Toyer said the turnout was a testament to the giving spirit of Kamloops residents. 

“I have volunteers all over the province and I care for every single one of them dearly, but the people in Kamloops are special to me,” Toyer said. “There’s a certain quality about the type of people that live in this community and that support these events that really touches my heart.”

Kamloops alone has raised more than a quarter of a million dollars for ALS research and patient services. 

Toyer said there is an increasing awareness about the neurodegenerative disease.

“One of the positive things that happened to us recently, of course, was the Ice Bucket Challenge,” Toyer said. “People got to understand what ALS is, and there is a very increased awareness here and part of that is because of the volunteers in the community.”

This year’s event has already blown past previous records for funds raised in Kamloops, but Toyer said the final numbers won’t be known for a few days.