It’s time to lace up your walking shoes and join thousands of people across Canada to Walk to End ALS.
Starting May 31 and continuing throughout ALS Awareness Month in June, the ALS Society of Canada (ALS Canada) will host 22 in-person walks across Ontario, as well as a virtual option for people who prefer to participate independently, or cannot attend a local event.
“The ALS Canada Walk to End ALS is the largest community fundraiser supporting amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) research, advocacy, and local services for the nearly 4,000 Canadians living with the disease,” explained an ALS Canada spokesperson.
All the funds raised from walks in Canada will go towards funding the most promising ALS research across Canada, as well as supporting ALS Canada’s advocacy and community-based programming. This year’s walk goal is $2 million.
The Sault Ste. Marie Walk to End ALS is happening June 22 at 10 a.m., and the 5 km walk starting location is Roberta Bondar Park. Participants will be walking along the boardwalk and city sidewalks.
“Pre-packaged food and beverages will be available for you to enjoy,” assured a spokesperson. “You are welcome to bring snacks and enjoy a picnic with friends and family after you walk! Please also remember to bring some water out on your walk with you.”
Each walk location will include a Fun Zone station with stickers and craft materials such as Bristol board, markers, stickers, and more. “We invite you to make your own sign to carry on route, raising awareness of ALS or honouring the person you are walking for,” she added.
“The Walk to End ALS unites Ontarians in the fight against ALS, celebrating hope in the progress being made in both research and quality of care while honouring the people we have loved and lost,” said Tammy Moore, CEO of ALS Canada.
She continued, “While an ALS diagnosis is devastating, promising research is helping us better understand the disease and bringing us closer to effective treatments to improve quality of life and one day make it a more manageable condition. As we approach the 2025 Walks, our goal is to continue building on the momentum we’ve gained over the years, working towards a world free of ALS.”
Registering for the walk is free, but participants are encouraged to obtain sponsors for their walk, to raise funds.
Walk registration for the Sault Ste. Marie walk is here.
