Image Credit: ADOBE STOCK
May 01, 2019 - 1:30 PM
VERNON - At times, we can take our ability to walk, run, swim, move without restriction or struggle for granted. Not everyone has the freedom of such ability.
In an effort to remove barriers, inspire social change, create sustainable community involvement and help people with disabilities realize their full potential, Independent Living Vernon is holding Moving for Independence, a fun walk, run or wheel event this Sunday, May 5 from 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.
It gets underway at the People Place, 3402 27 Ave. with the first leg, cycling, departing at 8:30 a.m. and the walking route at 9:30.
“This event is an opportunity to raise awareness and funding for our Youth Opportunities Unlimited (YOU) program that assists youth with disabilities to transition into society. This could include teaching them how to vote, how to grocery shop, providing them with self esteem and sometimes just showing them how to have fun,” Lisa Briggs, a social worker and Moving for Independence organizer with independent living tells iNFOnews.ca.
Independent Living Vernon has been around for 20 years and is the only non-profit organization in the Okanagan that helps people with all abilities, says Briggs, who has organized the event, formerly called Cycling for Independence, for 17 years.
Sunday’s routes incorporate a 13 kilometre fun walk or ride, a 24 km leisure ride and a 45 km crank hammers ride.
“Come out for the event, and with a payment of $20, or $100 raised in pledges you can get a lunch provided by the Lions Club of Vernon, a massage and a gift bag full of goodies,” encourages Briggs. There is a chance to win prizes, participate in a fun road hockey game or check out various venders on site.
Briggs says every week there are about five to seven people helped and supported at Independent Living Vernon.
She explains the five main areas of focus and principles for Independent Living Vernon include; consumer control, meaning the services provided at independent living are controlled by a board of directors with a majority of its members being people with disabilities; cross disability, addressing the needs of all people with disabilities regardless of the disability type; community based, the centre responds to local community needs; integration, the centre promotes full participation of people with disabilities in the community and non profit, the centre functions to meet stated goals and objectives without a profit.
Participants are encouraged to just show up this Sunday, May 5 at the People Place before 8:30 a.m. to participate and support Independent Living Vernon.
Check out the Vernon Family Resource Centre website here.
News from © iNFOnews, 2019