The Seniors Services Society of BC is supporting seniors one step at a time through its Walk of Ages fundraiser.
The New West-based society is hosting the fundraising walk at Westminster Quay on Sunday, June 9 from 8:30 a.m. to noon. Its goal is to raise $20,000.
"We are thrilled to bring our first annual Walk of Ages to New Westminster," said Nipa Bhalla, the society’s event director and resource development officer. "The Walk of Ages is an absolute win-win-win for the community of New Westminster. Walking provides a fantastic avenue for mindfulness, our awareness campaign brings attention to genuine issues such as abuse and housing precarity among seniors, and the fundraising brings in vital dollars into our society to provide essential services and offer hope to vulnerable and isolated seniors."
The Seniors Services Society invites community members to rally their friends, family, and organizations to walk together along the New Westminster Quay. The event includes 2-kilometre and 4-kilometre walks.
"We invite everyone to participate in the Walk of Ages," Bhalla said. "Whether you walk, fundraise, sponsor, volunteer, or donate, your support is invaluable in creating positive change for seniors in our community."
Proceeds from the walk will benefit the Seniors Services Society of BC, supporting essential programs such as housing navigation, housing outreach, and temporary housing.
“It’s been four years since we last had an awareness walk for our seniors,” Bhalla noted. “Walk of Ages is a newly branded, local event for us.
Bhalla said the “timing is perfect” for a mindful walk to benefit vulnerable local seniors, as it comes on the heels of National Seniors Week (June 2 to 8) and just before World Elder Abuse Awareness Day (June 15).
“Walk of Ages is a powerful symbol of unity and compassion, and an opportunity for individuals of all ages to come together, walk alongside their loved ones, and raise awareness and funds for seniors who face poverty, homelessness, elder abuse and isolation,” she said. “The Seniors Services Society of BC, through its housing navigation, housing outreach, and temporary housing program, has been instrumental in creating a positive impact on the lives of local seniors in need.”
Walk of Ages includes rest stops along the route, a continental breakfast after the walk, and activities for young walkers.
For more information and to register, visit www.sssbc.ca/walkofages.
