Residents at Meadow Park Care Centre participate in a walkathon to raise funds for the Parkison Society.
Residents raise money for Parkinson's research
Wednesday October 17, 2007 -- Deron Hamel
Residents, families, staff members and volunteers at Meadow Park Care Centre recently raised $274 for the Parkinson Society during a walkathon organized by the home’s activity and restorative care departments.

“We were getting exercise, we were having fun and helping out a good cause,” says Michelle Bronsard, the London long-term care home’s activity co-ordinator. “Everybody had a really good time.”

Prior to the Sept. 28 event, the Parkinson Society was looking for local participants to join their annual walkathon. When staff members at the home got word of this, they approached residents to see if they were interested in the event.

Not only did residents express interest, they also got their families involved with the walk. They also solicited friends and families for pledges. Some residents who participated have Parkinson’s disease, Bronsard notes.

On the day of the walk, the roughly 35 participants circled the roundabout in front of the home 111 times. The walkers were joined by The Strollers, a saxophone-and-accordion duo, who braved the cool weather to provide participants with music.

“They opened the show and did the first lap around with residents and then played, so that kept (residents) motivated,” says Bronsard.

Not only did the event manage to raise money for a worthy cause, it also had a big impact on residents’ self-esteem.

“They were so excited, because they were a part of something, a group of people that was able to do this huge event,” says Bronsard, adding participants worked hard to get pledges.

“I wasn’t expecting $274 from that small, little group, so it was really great.”

Resident Willa Steele participated in the walk with her husband, Jim, who has Parkinson’s. Through her efforts, she managed to raise $100 for the Parkinson Society by making a few calls.

“I have a lot of grandchildren,” laughs Willa. “And anyone who knew me or knew Jim was very liberal with giving.”

This was the first year the home had a walkathon to raise money for the Parkinson Society, however, it probably won’t be the last time.

“I think we will definitely do it again next year,” says Bronsard.