A rock-a-thon organized by St. Joseph School saw a group of pint-sized rock stars running around the fields at Lakeside Park Friday afternoon — all for a good cause.
This was the group’s third annual walkathon aiming to raise money for their school and four local charities. Kidsport, Friends of the Family, The Heart and Stroke Foundation and MS Society all benefit.
“We feel it is so important to give back to our community,” said organizer Sheri Allarie. “This teaches the lesson that if you look after your community, the community will look after you.”
Each year the students take on the responsibility of going door-to-door to raise money, she said. Last year they raised over $6,500 with a large chunk to going to local charities.
This year Allarie has helped organize a rock and roll theme to get the kids even more enthusiastic about the event. With old records dangling from trees, spiked hair, sunglasses and rocker garb were out in full force.
“The kids, staff, volunteers and families dressed up like rock stars,” she said. “It’s absolute fun. They want to rock it! The kids are so into it.”
There were four fun activity stations at each corner of the field for the kids to take a break from walking and have some fun. Rock And Roll music played courtesy of Grade 3 student DJ Aiden.
As participants rounded the half-kilometre course they had their "VIP Backstage Passes" hole punched.
“This way we can keep track of how far each participant walks and then, the total distance everyone walks,” said Allarie. “Last year the kids walked the equivalent of going to Vancouver and most of the way back.”
The Nelson Christian Community School joined St. Joes along with the Kootenay Kinderschool. About 150 children from preschool to Grade 7 participated.