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Special Events
Stepping Up for Seniors: The Grand Parade Walks the Walk!
It was all smiles, pennants, and cheers at Kiwanis Field on September 21st as the community came together for a joyful celebration of our seniors at The Grand Parade, hosted by the Grand River Council on Aging (GRCOA). With sneakers laced, wheels rolling, and spirits high, participants of all ages turned out for a morning filled with fun, fitness, and fabulous support for our local older adults!
The festivities kicked off at 11 a.m. with teams gathering at the start line. Town Crier David McKee brought excitement to the crowd as he rang his bell and proudly announced, “$ 29,700 raised and counting!” before signaling the start of the walk. The sound of that bell echoed the community’s commitment to reaching GRCOA’s $30,000 goal—and there’s still time to pitch in, with donations accepted until October 31, 2024.
“This event is about so much more than walking—it’s about talking! Each time our walkers reached out for a pledge, they sparked a conversation about the incredible impact GRCOA has on our community,” said a beaming Lucy Marco, GRCOA’s Executive Director. “With over 100 walkers on board, we’re raising funds and awareness to keep our seniors connected, engaged, and living their best lives!”
Lucy’s Strollers, led by Marco herself, strutted to success, raising an impressive $6,700, earning them the 8th spot out of 399 teams across Canada! Talk about stepping up!
With 26 teams taking part, the day also saw five local retirement homes joining the Parade at Home Challenge, where residents and staff got into the festive spirit with mini parades right at their front doors. It was a parade party all around!
And the business community? They weren’t just on the sidelines—they jumped in with $5,500 in sponsorships, plus tons of in-kind goodies! A special shout-out to our Lead Sponsors Charlotte Villa and Riverview Terrace, and Rest Station Sponsors Chartwell Tranquility Place, Brierwood Gardens, and Telfer Place. We couldn’t have done it without support from CareRx, Seasons Retirement Communities, and Century 21 Heritage House as Community Event Sponsors.
But the party isn’t over just yet! You can still support our seniors by donating online at https://thegrandparade.org/location/brantford until October 31, 2022.
