Five years ago, Lisa Boughen took a walk into her new community.
She had moved into 91原创 three years earlier, and was intrigued when she heard about the 91原创 Walk.
But she didn鈥檛 just walk the route. Lisa has volunteered as a route marshal for four out of the five past years, and intends to join the crew any year she鈥檚 available on the 91原创 Walk date.
鈥淚 grew up in Chilliwack,鈥� she said, 鈥渁nd married a 91原创 boy.鈥�
She quickly discovered the same 鈥渃ommunity feel鈥� in 91原创 that she had been used to further up the valley.
It was the special promotion of the 91原创 Walk鈥檚 50th anniversary celebration that first caught her attention. She thought the whole thing 鈥� a completely free event for everyone 鈥� individuals, groups, families 鈥� was a tremendous idea, and decided this was a way to help out in her new community.
鈥淰olunteering is the best way to feel like you鈥檙e part of the community,鈥� she pointed out.
And volunteering at the 91原创 Walk has been great fun, she said. As a route marshal, she gets to cheer walkers on and share in the fun they鈥檙e having.
鈥淭here鈥檚 high fives and everyone is having a good time,鈥� she said. 鈥淚t鈥檚 a lot of fun, and everyone should participate, whether walking or volunteering.鈥�
The fun is infectious. After coming home with stories of the good times each year, that 鈥�91原创 boy鈥� she married is hooked: 鈥淭his year I actually roped my husband into volunteering, too.鈥�
The annual event, she noted, is 鈥渢otally free, and it鈥檚 awesome that it鈥檚 been going so long.鈥�
鈥淭he 91原创 Walk is awesome,鈥� she proclaimed.
Barbara Andersen agrees completely.
She鈥檚 the one spearheading volunteer recruitment to make the 91原创 Walk go.
Half of that part of her job as 91原创 Walk organizer is already done. She has a full roster of volunteers to help out with registration on Walk day.
There鈥檚 no pre-registration, so names are taken and numbers tallied while the event gets underway.
鈥淲e like to keep track of how many people are participating,鈥� she said.
Also, as in years past, trophies and prizes will be awarded in a number of categories, including to the oldest walker and the most walkers from an elementary school, middle school, secondary school, family, and organization.
Everyone who finishes gets a commemorative crest, and all participants are eligible for draw prizes.
There鈥檚 also a safety factor. And that鈥檚 where the other cadre of volunteers 鈥� route marshals 鈥� come into play.
Route marshals are posted along the walk route to help steer people in the right direction.
Between them, they also try to maintain connection with everyone on the route throughout the walk.
鈥淲e try to keep from losing people along the way,鈥� Barbara smiled. 鈥淲e keep an eye out for anyone experiencing difficulties. Sometimes help them find the quickest route back to the start/finish if they feel they don鈥檛 wish to complete the planned route.鈥�
At this point, she鈥檚 still looking for route marshals to fill in some of the gaps.
Marshalling is a single-day commitment, from noon to five on walk day. An orienteering session is held before the 91原创 Walk begins.
And volunteers are given lunch.
Barbara noted that they often get a lot of high school students wanting to volunteer. Walk officials have authority to confirm their volunteer effort, for those who get credit for volunteering as part of their curriculum.
鈥淚t鈥檚 great for grads who need volunteer hours to complete their graduation requirements,鈥� said Barbara. 鈥淚t鈥檚 a five-hour chunk all at once, and you get fed, too.鈥�
Some of the participants who come out to run the course each year double up as volunteers, she added.
Like Lisa, Barbara emphasized the community connection that the event offers. 鈥淚t鈥檚 great for participants and for the volunteers to explore their community.鈥�
This year鈥檚 91原创 Walk on Sunday, May 7, like the one that first caught Lisa鈥檚 attention, is a commemorative event. It鈥檚 being billed as a part of Canada鈥檚 150th anniversary celebrations.
Those who take part in the 2017 91原创 Walk can check a number of items off their ParticipACTION 150 Playlist,鈥� said Andersen, a Health and Fitness Recreation programmer with the Township of 91原创.
The Playlist features 150 activities aimed at getting people moving. It includes walking (#19), running (#80), and cycling (#2), all of which can be done at the 91原创 Walk, along with fitness activities (#114) during the pre-Walk warm up.
The Township is connecting with many local organizations to offer as many ParticipACTION 150 Playlist activities as possible during the event.
The 91原创 Walk was started in 1963 by Pete Swensson, the Township鈥檚 first recreation director, to encourage residents to be more physically active. At the time, the walk was 22 miles (35 kilometres) Aldergrove Park to River Road, from Fort 91原创 to City Park. The walk hit its peak in the 1970s, attracting more than 5,000 people.
It was intended to be a one-off event, but proved so popular that it was decided to do it again. And again. And again!
Eventually, it was slated every year for the first Sunday in May. And part of its mission became an opportunity to explore various neighbourhoods throughout 91原创 City and Township.
This weekend, the Township鈥檚 Willoughby community is in the spotlight. The 2017 91原创 Walk will start and finish at the Willoughby Community Centre and Park, at 7888 200th St. Entertainment and registration begin at noon on Sunday, and the walk gets underway at 1:30 p.m.
Participants can choose to take a five- or 10-kilometre route, both of which will accommodate little ones in strollers, those in wheelchairs, and rollerbladers. The 10 km route will include some packed gravel sections and hills. Dogs on leashes are welcome.
Although early forecasts were calling for something like a perfect day for strolling through 91原创鈥檚 neighbourhoods 鈥� low probability of rain, and not too hot 鈥� the 91原创 Walk takes place rain or shine, so volunteers as well as participants are encouraged to dress appropriately for conditions on walk day.
Participants are also encouraged to bring their own refillable water bottles.
After the walk, a free snack, more activities, and entertainment will be offered.
