Dogs barked happily, bagpipe music echoed through the trees and children played in the grass while Lakeside Park was overrun by both the Parkinson SuperWalk and the Paws for a Cause fundraiser on Sunday afternoon.
Some families, such as the Coombs with their trusty pit bull Gucci, attended both events—raising awareness about Parkinson's disease and fighting animal cruelty simultaneously. Quinne and Madoc were joined by their mother Jenny and Stephanie Mervyn.
Local singers Josh Murray and Julie Johnson-Murray serenaded the crowds while enthusiastic canines practiced their agility. Volunteers allowed sponges to be tossed at their faces, all in the name of charity, and families chowed down on the cruelty-free barbecue.
Estonian visitor Iti Tiganik fell in love with Tula, one of the strays up for adoption, while Shalynn Weinrauch brought her 13-year-old golden retriever Chance for the walk with her grandmother Debbie House.
The Paws for a Cause event raised nearly $16,000, with youth fundraiser Kelsey Griko contributing $1,980 herself. The top adult fundraiser was Alex Schlosser, who raised $3,041.
This was the 20th year of the Parkinson SuperWalk, with 110 communities across Canada and 21 communities throughout BC joining to find a cure.
For more information visit parkinson.bc.ca and spca.bc.ca/walk.
(CORRECTION: An earlier version of this story misspelled Alex Schlosser's surname.)
