New date for mayor's charity walk

A major charitable event that aims to get people active and raise money at the same time will return in 2014 with a few changes.

The St. Albert Gazette returns as media sponsor while Roy Financial returns as the major sponsor of the St. Albert Roy Financial Mayor's Walk for Charity, but it will be held on a new date: April 26.

Previously, the event was held in mid-June. As most locals know, the weather and other factors at that time of year sometimes don't contribute to the best outdoor running experience.

With the theme, "Cultivate the Charities in our Community," the event truly does just that: dozens of groups both pitch in and help organize the huge day of running and walking, but the charities also benefit too.

Some of the local groups that benefit from the walk include Braeside Community Church, St. Albert Botanic Park, St. Albert Victim Services, Star of the North and the Sturgeon Hospital Auxiliary Volunteer Association, to name a few.

Last year the event, featuring a 3K casual walk and a 10K more intense running event, raised more than $74,000 for 30 local and regional charities. It involved the work of 250 volunteers and participants.

Last year Father Mike Dechant of the Oblate Youth Ministries earned top fundraising honours, notching $ 2,725. He was followed closely by Cameron Reid of the Epilepsy Association of Edmonton with $2,140 and in third place an anonymous volunteer for Connecting Streams who raised $2,100.

The grand prize $1,000 gift from AMA last year was won by Shirley Yunker from St. Vincent de Paul.

The event will be held Saturday, April 26 beginning at 9:30 a.m. at the St. Albert minor ball clubhouse located at 215 Sturgeon Road, said organizer Heather McKinnon. Registration opens at 8 a.m.

Pre-registration will be held at the St. Albert family Resource Centre at #10A, 215 Carnegie Dr. June 13 and 14. Call for an appointment: 780-459-7377.