The weather wouldn鈥檛 let them walk on sunshine but residents of Orchard Gardens Seniors Community got their steps in for a good cause on Wednesday (May 29).

Approximately 55 seniors took part in the first annual Orchard Gardens Walkerthon under cloudy skies and a sprinkle or two of rain.

There were 35 walkers from Orchard Gardens, on Gerstmar Road, and 20 from its sister community, Charles Manor, in Penticton. The walkers were sponsored, and cheered on, by family members.

鈥淲e have a path that goes around the community it鈥檚 about two city blocks, it gives them a chance to have a robust walk without leaving the property,鈥� explained Farid Nouisser, sales manager at Orchard Gardens.

It鈥檚 an event he鈥檚 wanted to start for several years.

鈥淲e鈥檝e always had this 鈥榤otion is lotion鈥� campaign, the more they move the better, and this year the tides were right.鈥�

The number of laps varied for individuals, but everyone was in step with the goal of raising funds for the KGH Foundation.

鈥淕iving back to an organization that is essential to our daily survival,鈥� Nouisser added. 鈥淚t only makes sense.鈥�

Arden Poulin, community engagement manager at KGH Foundation noted that community events such as this are invaluable.

鈥淚t鈥檚 fantastic to see everyone out and walking, smiling and families coming out as well, that鈥檚 priceless.鈥�

Poulin added that the Foundation is extremely appreciative of the generosity.

鈥淎 big thank you to Farid and the team at Orchard Gardens, this is such a fun event. We love these unique ideas, if anyone else has one, reach out to us at the KGH Foundation.鈥�

The Walkerthon raised nearly $2,500 that will go to the Foundation鈥檚 Area of Greatest Need Campaign.

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