Eighteen years ago an epic 233 km walk-a-thon raised $25,000 to help build Passmore Lodge. Now residents plan to do the same for seniors’ housing in Slocan. For three days, from Sept. 30 to Oct. 2, they’ll hike or bike on the Slocan Valley Heritage Rail Trail with all funds going to help build 12 units of affordable rental seniors’ housing in the heart of the village.
At least one of the original hikers, Lydia Kania (pictured above centre), who was 72 then and 91 now, is already in training with the help of a walking stick carved by Don Munro, another of the early trekkers. Lynnda Moore (left) and Slocan village councillor Jean Patterson (right) are also revved up for the three-day event this fall.
Organizers plan a great send-off for participants and community celebrations to welcome them at the end of the each day's route. For more information or to get involved, email ritamoir@columbiawireless.ca. Pledge sheets, brochures and many more details will be available soon. Everyone is welcome to join in, raise funds and be part of another epic Slocan Valley event.