The first ever 11 km Walk for Possibility took place today raising over $24,000 for the community. The Walk kicked off early this morning in downtown Vancouver at the Robert Lee YMCA and ended with a celebration at the United Way British Columbia office in Burnaby. There were optional stops enroute at United-Way funded agencies—bc211, 411 Seniors Centre and Family Services of Greater Vancouver, where walkers could learn more about United Way funded programs. 20 United Way-funded agencies participated. Half the funds they raised will go to their agency, and the other half will go to United Way to support programs helping refugees settle in the Lower Mainland. The Walk was a great opportunity for agencies to make connections. One of the first participants to finish the Walk, Geoff Harrison from the North Shore Neighbourhood House, said, “We burned calories, chatted with other community service providers along the way and traded business cards. It was fun!” Despite the cold drizzly rain, 123 people moved their feet in the right direction! The positive energy, warm hearts and enthusiasm could be felt throughout the Walk as teams came together to build a stronger community for all. The top fundraising teams were Touchstone Family Association, Vancouver Second Mile Society and Richmond Family Place. “It was a great opportunity to support United Way in a fun way and get our staff, volunteers and board members involved,” said top individual fundraiser and Vancouver Second Mile Society Board Chair Gary McDonnell. Michael McKnight, President & CEO, United Way British Columbia was one of the walkers. “It’s wonderful to see our partner agencies join forces to raise funds for those less fortunate. This collective strength is what makes our community great.” said Michael McKnight. View photos from the walk. For more information on the Walk for Possibility or to donate, click here.
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