By: Emily Plihal, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, South Peace News

McLennan Royal Purple is preparing to host its 43rd annual Walk for Children on May 2, starting at the Elks & Royal Purple Community Hall.

The event will start with registration at 12:30 p.m. and the walk will commence at 1 p.m. on the Lakeshore Trails in McLennan.

Royal Purple District Deputy Faye Rever says this is a great opportunity to help raise funds for children with special needs.

“The McLennan Royal Purple Elks Lodge #62 is deeply committed to supporting children and families in our community,” says Rever.

“The Walk for Children is one of the ways we bring that commitment to life, raising awareness and funds for children who need hearing and speech support, while bringing our community together around a shared purpose.”

A donation jar will be available on site and participants are also urged to pick up and fill pledge sheets, available at the McLennan Town Office.

“Funds raised through this event support the Elks and Royal Purple Fund for Children, a national, grassroots charity dedicated to helping children across Canada with hearing and speech challenges,” Rever explains.

“These funds are used to provide financial assistance for hearing aids, speech therapy, and specialized medical supports for children under 19, support programs and services that improve early diagnosis, treatment, and long- term outcomes, and act as a national safety net, allowing local lodges to access funding quickly when a child in their community needs help, regardless of their local financial capacity.”

Rever says the event strengthens Royal Purple’s ability to support children in McLennan and surrounding communities.

“This ensures that no child is left without support due to financial barriers,” Rever says.

“It allows families to focus on their child, not the cost of care, and creates real, lasting change in a child’s ability to communicate, learn, and connect.”

Rever says because of the national structure of the fund, local children can receive financial support for hearing and speech needs, lodges can respond quickly and confidently when a need is identified, and families don’t have to navigate challenges alone.

“It means that when a child in our region needs help, we have somewhere to turn,” says Rever.

“Royal Purple is part of a national movement of volunteers dedicated to strengthening communities across Canada. We chose to host this walk because we see the impact this work has both nationally and right here at home.”

Rever says early support can change a child’s entire future. She adds families often face barriers they cannot overcome alone, and having this community-driven funding can help fill the gaps.

“The Walk for Children is our way of stepping forward and saying, ‘We are here, and we are ready to help’,” says Rever.

“The walk is designed to be inclusive and accessible for everyone. It’s not about how far you walk; it’s about why you walk.”

Rever says participants can choose a walking distance that works for them, making it a great event for families with young children, seniors, and individuals of all abilities.

All funds raised will support the Elks and Royal Purple Fund for Children.

“What makes this especially impactful is how that support flows back into our communities,” says Rever.

“Through this fund, we are able to access multiple levels of financial support, including national funding through the Fund for Children, additional support through our provincial foundation, and local support through our lodge initiatives and community projects.”

Rever urges everyone to participate in the walk, whether you walk, volunteer, or support the good cause, saying there’s a place to help for everyone.

“This is a family-friendly, community-focused event,” she says.

“Bring your kids, invite your friends, and come out for an afternoon of connection and purpose. Whether you walk, donate, or simply show up, you are part of the impact.”Emily Plihal,  Local Journalism Initiative Reporter – South Peace News – southpeacenews.com