It all began when Irene Levens approached Sevenoaks Shopping Centre in 1993 to inquire about forming a walking club, after participating in a similar group at Guildford Town Centre.
Sevenoaks management was excited to take part in the idea and the All Out Walkin’ Club began.
The first session brought out 12 members, but over the years it has grown to 200 active members.
Denise Lillies began with the club in 1993, as the walking instructor. She also organized extra activities for the walkers and as the years went by the kilometres behan to pile up. Pins and certificates were given out to recognize distance marks up to 10,000 km.
Some of the original members who hit the 10,000 km mark have been recognized with a floor tile as part of the “Mall Walk Of Fame”, and are still represented in Sevenoaks Shopping Centre today.
“As active members in the club, we have been dedicated to serving and supporting the B.C. Guide Dogs Services since 2006 and have raised $8,815.85,” said treasurer Norman Harcus. “We raise most of our funds from pop bottles and our generous members.”
Last month, the All Out Walkin’ Club celebrated 20 years at Sevenoaks.
“Our goal is to provide a safe and secure environment for the walking club and allow our members to enjoy perfect weather conditions all year round,” said Tricia Dumouchel, marketing director at Sevenoaks. “The philosophy of the program is designed for fitness, fun and fellowship.”
A member of the group, Jeanette Poulin said it best: “The benefits to this awesome club are a large, warm and covered place. Kilometres are walked and tracked on paper, across our wonderful Canadian country. We are then rewarded with merit certificates. The scenery always changes as we window shop throughout the season. We love to party for the seasonal holidays and yes, we have the best medicine of all – Laughter. We feel safe and secure while we walk and we want to say thank you to security for that."
The group is always looking for new members any anyone can join. The cost is $15 a year. This membership includes a walking club t-shirt, weekly draws, educations seminars and distance incentives.
Call the customer service centre for more information or to sign up as a member at 604-853-1339.