Rain. Cold. Wind. Sun.
For Pat and Judy Hughes, it doesn’t matter.
Whatever the weather, the Coldstream couple is happy to help out and take part in the annual Moving for Independence fundraiser, as they did Sunday, May 1, under perfect sunny conditions.
The event is one of the main yearly fundraisers for Independent Living Vernon (ILV).
“It’s such a great organization,” said Judy.
“We know people, personally, who work here and who have benefited from some of the services as well. It’s a great little organization that doesn’t get a lot of noise in the community.”
The turnout for the first such event in two years because of the pandemic was good with nearly 100 people participating. Main organizer Lisa Briggs of ILV refused to mention the ‘C’ word which cancelled the event the past two years after 21 straight rides.
Participants had the choice of taking part in the 13-kilometre Family Fun Ride or Walk; the 24-km Leisure Ride or the 45-km Crank Hammers Ride. The Hughes’ opted for the 24-km Leisure Ride.
“We went down to Kekuli (Bay) on the (Okanagan) rail trail, back down to Polson Park and back,” said Pat. “It was awesome. Perfect weather for it.”
Those who took part in any of the events were treated to a massage – courtesy of students from Okanagan Valley College of Massage Therapy – pizza and food afterward, and each participant received a gift bag.
Independent Living Vernon helps create sustainable community links, works for societal change and removes barriers so that people with disabilities have the opportunity to realize their full potential.
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roger@vernonmorningstar.com
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