By: Aliocha Perriard-Abdoh
Simon Fraser University students demonstrated their commitment to engaging with the community at an event that took place in Abbotsford on June 10 in order to raise funds and awareness for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS).
The eleventh annual Fraser Valley Walk for ALS by the ALS Society of BC welcomed over 500 participants this year and raised over $57,000.
SFU Athletics’ own Gregory Saint-Germain filled the walk coordinator position this year, and rallied students from the university to support the event. This is Saint-Germain’s third year as the walk coordinator, and he credits the joy of working with the students as his motivation to make a difference.
“Seeing the students so passionate makes me strive harder to help raise funds to find a cure,” he said.
Students and staff from Athletics and Recreation, the Student Athlete Advisory Committee, Health and Counselling, as well as the Interfaith Centre all turned out to the event. “The volunteerism and enthusiasm to get involved shown by our SFU staff and students is and has been amazing,” Saint-Germain remarked.
“The walk was a family-oriented day of fun and of recognition to those who suffer ALS as well as the families and loved ones of those affected,” he explained.
Those afflicted with ALS gradually lose movement as the brain is no longer able to communicate voluntary movement to muscles. There are no effective treatments and a cure remains to be found to help those touched by the disease.
The ALS Society of BC has raised over $210,000 for the cause over the course of the past three years.
Saint-Germain noted that Victor Thomas, the director of the SFU Interfaith Centre, was key to the day’s success this year. “He donated the bouncy castle and operated it as well. His willingness to volunteer so much time and effort to the success of this event was phenomenal,” Saint-Germain said.
The event saw a choreographed flash mob, a face painting table which worked by donation, a bouncy castle, a photo booth to capture the memories of the event, live entertainment, and free food.
Saint-Germain said he only hopes that next year’s walk will continue to keep up with the theme of unity, hope, family, and fun.
Aliocha Perriard-Abdoh volunteered at this year’s Fraser Valley Walk for ALS.
