The first planning meeting for the sixth annual Red Deer Walk for ALS (Lou Gehrig’s Disease or Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis) started on an ominous note when, on the same day as the meeting, the Advocate ran a story about charities being devastated by the slump in the economy.
Undaunted, the “Purple T-shirt” ALS volunteers set out to raise awareness and much-needed funds for making every day the best possible day for people suffering with ALS and to fund research to find a cure.
Despite the economy, Central Alberta residents and businesses dug deep and provided for another successful fundraising effort by giving more than $80,000 in donations!
Red Deer North MLA Mary Anne Jablonski was on hand to show her support.
She described these fundraising efforts as being terrific community builders.
Central Alberta communities came together in Red Deer on June 6 and showed their support for a great cause.
Many thanks go out to all those involved in organizing, sponsoring, donating and contributing to another successful walk.
For more information about ALS, check out www.alsab.ca or www.als.ca
Greg LeBlanc
2009 Red Deer
Walk for ALS co-ordinator