Phyllis Harms, a well-known volunteer in the Abbotsford area, has put her energy into fundraising for the Fraser Valley Walk for ALS, collecting more than $6,500 for the cause.
The walk takes place Saturday, June 16 at Mill Lake Park in Abbotsford.
In the past, Harms has raised thousands of dollars for the Heart and Stroke Foundation, but this year she changed her focus in memory of her brother Leslie Harms, who suffered from ALS (Lou Gehrig’s disease) for 12 years before passing away in 1983.
Harms not only volunteers for ALS Society, but also the Al-Anon Club, Salvation Army, Old Age Pensioners Hall, Abbotsford Community Services Food Bank, Abbotsford Farmers Market and the Optimist Club of Abbotsford.
ALS (amyotrophic lateral sclerosis) is a terminal neuromuscular disease that causes the voluntary muscles to progressively weaken, resulting in an inability for a person to move their arms, legs and body. Patients also lose their speech and their ability to breathe without support.
The Fraser Valley Walk for ALS committee has set a goal of raising $100,000 this year. Eighty-five per cent of all money raised goes towards research or patient care.
Registration is by donation and begins at 10 a.m. at Mill Lake Park (off Bevan Avenue), followed by the walk at 11 a.m.
Members of the Abbotsford Police and local dignitaries will be on hand, and there will be a silent auction, family entertainment and snacks.
To register or make a donation, visit walkforals.ca.