Walk for Parkinson's in Goderich raises over $28,000 for Parkinson Society

Team ‘Wuerth Every Step’ was the second top fundraising team raising over $4,000.

Despite the windy weather, the Parkinson’s Walk in Goderich on September 6 was the most successful to date.

With a 25 per cent increase compared to last year’s walk, as of September 11, the fundraising event raised $28,500  for Parkinson Society Southwestern Ontario (PSSO).

The top three teams were Team Rosser ($6,107), Team Wuerth Every Step ($4,890) and Team Lloyd-Rees ($2,840).

Top walkers included Paula Rosser ($3,247), Kate Lloyd-Rees ($1,748), and June Corriveau ($1,908).

The total from the walk day on Sept. 6 was $25,386, and more money continues to be sent in online.

Funds raised will go towards support groups where people with Parkinson’s can discuss face-to-face about the disease and how it affects them. Funds will also be used to provide research money in hospitals and universities, while also funding quarterly conferences that bring together experts on the topic.

Upwards of 100 people attended the walk in Goderich to support the cause including Mayor Trevor Bazinet who recognized PSSO in his opening remarks for their tireless work in raising awareness and providing essential programs and support.

“To those walking today, whether you’re walking for a loved one, walking for yourself, or walking simply because you care, you inspire us all,” Mayor Bazinet said on social media, to celebrate the local efforts made in support of Parkinson’s.

Over the last 30 years, Walk for Parkinson’s has raised over $10 million across southwestern Ontario and every dollar has gone directly back into programs that change lives.

According to PSSO, Goderich became a Walk community in September 2017, and between 2017 and 2024 has raised more than $110,000 in support of Parkinson’s, which highlights the community’s compassion and commitment.

“The big picture about the Walk is to raise as much money as possible,” admitted Ron Corriveau, local organizer of the Goderich Walk.

“Our support group accomplished that and more. It was about family and friends getting together and supporting someone dear to them who has Parkinson’s disease.”

Parkinson’s disease is the fastest growing neurodegenerative disorder, which affects both motor and non-motor functioning. PSSO’s mission is to enhance the quality of life and care for people living with Parkinson’s in Southwestern Ontario.

This progressive neurological disorder results from the loss of dopamine in a part of the brain called substantia nigra.

Dopamine acts as a chemical messenger, allowing nerve impulses to travel smoothly from one nerve cell to another. This enables transmission of messages to muscles in the body to begin voluntary movement.

According to the PSSO, as dopamine continues to decrease, muscle movements become slower and more rigid, tremors can develop, and reflexes become more impaired contributing to a loss of balance.

Some primary symptoms associated with Parkinson’s include tremors, rigidity, akinesia (complete absence of movement) or bradykinesia (slowness of movement), postural instability, soft speech, writing problems and sleep disturbances.

Non-motor symptoms can include depression, anxiety, psychosis, dementia, memory problems and difficulty with communication.

According to PSSO, while symptoms typically begin to appear at age 55 to 60 years, 10 per cent of all people diagnosed with Parkinson’s will be under the age of 40.

Funds raised at walks across southwestern Ontario help support education, research initiatives and support for those experiencing symptoms of Parkinson’s, as well as for their families.

For more information on PSSO of Parkinson’s disease, visit https://psso.ca