Morden will be home to one of only two Parkinson’s Canada SuperWalks in Manitoba this year, and organizers are inviting everyone to take part. The walk takes place tomorrow, Saturday, September 6, starting at the Morden Mennonite Church, with program activities beginning at 10 a.m. and the walk officially starting at 11:30 a.m. “This is an opportunity to be part of the community,” says event coordinator Toyin Ikhuoria, who began volunteering with Parkinson Canada earlier this year. “I really love to volunteer, and when they asked me if I could, I thought this was an opportunity to be part of people’s lives.” “It’s very, very important, because if we don’t know, people won’t be prepared. We have over 110,000 people living in Canada with Parkinson’s, and that number is going to grow. Some people don’t have it now, but they might have it later. So it’s better to know. When it comes, or a loved one has it, it’s easier to get ready.” - Toyin Ikhuoria Parksinson's SuperWalk Morden organizer. Why this walk matters For Ikhuoria, the importance of the SuperWalk goes far beyond raising money. It’s about supporting people and families who are carrying a heavy burden. “People living with Parkinson’s are going through a lot. It affects their mobility, their coordination, and it’s really not too funny. Even for people taking care of them, it’s a challenge,” she explains. Ikhuoria knows this firsthand. “My father was sick one time. I took care of my daddy for about a year, and I knew what I went through. Now imagine someone being in that condition, not just for a year, but for years. It’s tough on the family.” That personal experience drives her passion for events like this one. “It affects the entire family, the friends, everybody around—the community. That’s why we need to come together to support them.” Raising awareness and funds While donations fuel research and support services, Ikhuoria stresses that awareness is just as crucial. “It’s very, very important, because if we don’t know, people won’t be prepared. We have over 110,000 people living in Canada with Parkinson’s, and that number is going to grow. Some people don’t have it now, but they might have it later. So it’s better to know. When it comes, or a loved one has it, it’s easier to get ready.” She adds that events like the SuperWalk make Parkinson’s more visible. “As a kid, the only reason I even knew about Parkinson’s was because Muhammad Ali had it. A lot of people still don’t know much about it.” Where the money goes The SuperWalk is Parkinson Canada’s largest annual fundraiser. Funds raised in Morden will directly support both research and local programs. “One of the reasons we’re raising this money is for research—to see how we can find a cure. But it’s also for support. These people need a lot of support, and they need more caregivers,” says Ikhuoria. How to take part Registration is free and open to everyone—whether walking as a team or individually. “You just show up there and you register,” Ikhuoria explains. “You can come as a team, you can come as an individual, that’s fine.” You can also register or donate online at donate.parkinson.ca or in person during the event. “Even if you don’t want to donate, you can come and register, just be part of the SuperWalk. Or you can just come and volunteer—that’s nice too,” Ikhuoria adds. Related stories: Stage four Parkinson's patient pursues dream of vintage car photography project Cars, cars, and more cars at Altona Library More than just a walk Ikhuoria says the SuperWalk is not about running or racing. “Anyone can take part. You’re not running, you’re not jogging, you’re just walking. Like, it’s literally just a walk.” Families are especially encouraged to join. “We need the kids. Yes, we do need the kids,” she says with a smile. Local businesses and community support The event wouldn’t be possible without local backing. “I would like to thank the Eagle and Country 88 as sponsors,” says Ikhuoria. “I want to use this opportunity to encourage other businesses to do the same. We need support, we need donations, and we need to make people aware of this disease.” Donate anytime through September If you can’t make it to the walk tomorrow, donations can still be made throughout the month. “Even if they can’t donate online today, they can donate tomorrow. And the donation keeps going until the end of September,” Ikhuoria reminds the community.