Sunday, Jan. 25 dawned a perfect day with sunshine, blue sky and warm breezes. It was a also a perfect day for Investors Group, Barriere Division annual Walk For Memories held in support of the Alzheimer Society of BC.
For weeks, the Barriere group had been busy planning and organizing for this event; with chairperson Liz Gilbertson, co-chair Margret Houben, and several volunteers having everything in place when walkers arrived for registration Sunday morning.
This year’s local Honouree in attendance for the event was Carolyn (Kay) Zerr. She and her family have lived in Barriere and the area for many years and their children grew up here. Zerr’s daughter Carlene Stamer (nee Zerr) spent time with her Mom at the Barriere Senior’s hall before the walk visiting with friends and neighbors. Kay was also greeted by Investors Group representative Jen Rauschenberger.
As walkers gathered outside the Seniors Hall for the start of the walk, Liz Gilbertson said, “The first official walk in Barriere was in 2009, it was only a small group in the beginning, but numbers grew and for this year’s Walk we have approximately 100 participants of all age groups from seniors to young children and parents.”
Barriere Lion’s Club member Ward Stamer officiated as MC, keeping the program running smoothly. Audrey Rilcoe put the walkers through a short warm-up before they were on their way, led by flag bearers from Team Brian.
On their return, the Barriere Lion’s Club Auxiliary had lunch ready for the hungry walkers. It was a tasty meal by all accounts.
Among the presenters introduced by Ward Stamer was Mayor Virginia Smith who had also worked as one of the registration crew. She addressed the gathering saying, “I am so proud of our Barriere and area residents; our town is a very giving community that is always ready to contribute to a worthy cause. I also want to thank all the volunteers who worked so hard to put this event together and all the walkers who showed their support for the Alzheimer Society of B.C., Barriere division.”
A donation from Barriere Elementary School was presented, which was money raised from a ‘Hat Day Fundraiser’ at the school.
Kay Knox, a representative from the community of Clearwater, stated that her community was not able to find enough volunteers this year to hold their own Walk for Memories, but they had contributed what they had raised in Clearwater to be added to the Barriere total.
At the conclusion of the Walk for Memories gathering, Liz Gilbertson had this to say, “I am proud of all the volunteers and walkers from Barriere, Kamloops, Clearwater, and all the areas in between who donated their time and efforts to make this walk our best one so far. Thanks to them, we broke $10,000! Thank you all for making this such a great day.”