Walking in the Light - Walkathon Report

This is the group that participated in the Walkathon on June 23, 2007

It was a lovely, sunny day. Though the numbers were down, these people took part with enthusiasm, some walking especially to remember Tina Dyck, a corrector and beloved sister and friend to many in our circle.

In remembrance of Mark Jenkins, a young man who had wanted to go on a cycling trip, but was not able to before he died, the walkathon began with a reading, prayer, and lighting of a candle under the tree the city of Saskatoon has planted in his memory.

When the balloons, representing our prayers during the walk/cycle, were released to the sky, we gathered for the group photo and then off we went. Some as families, such as Ken and Darlene Klassen with their six sons, some as individuals, and some walked and prayed together in twos and threes. Only one teen age girl cycled this time.

The lovely paved path meanders through pleasant scenery along the river, making for 7.5 kilometers, (or 5 miles). It takes from an hour to an hour and a half, depending on the pace of the walkers.

Our walkers turn up towards Spadina Crescent when they reach the Mendel Art Gallery and cross the street to enter the Kinsmen Park, where a few of the group arrived ahead of time to prepare a picnic barbecue lunch of farmers' sausage in a bun, pop and water, and a piece of cake and watermelon for dessert.

Prizes were handed out at the end by Director Arnold Stobbe to those who had raised the most monies and pledges from their sponsors. The winners were Wendell and Helen Klassen, Arnold Stobbe, Barb and Doug Jenkins, Priscilla Blackmore, Mary Warkentin, and Betty Eidse.

The total received so far is $6070.00 for the Walkathon. Some funds came into the office in the weeks following. This year the funds were designated towards our Blitz mailing of a gospel booklet to all homes in Saskatoon, and now nine other cities in Saskatchewan. We are all very excited as we prepare for the mailing in September, and the follow-up work to counsel wisely those who will respond.