By Brock Weir

They laced up their running shoes, did their stretches and, in some cases, unfolded their walkers or whipped out their Nordic walking poles, and hit the track last Saturday with the same mission – to raise much needed funds for senior services in York Region and South Simcoe.

The Chartwell Walking Track at the Aurora Family Leisure Complex was the scene on April 13 when CHATS (Community & Home Assistance to Seniors) hosted its annual Walk for Wellness.

Dozens of participants and vendors banded together for the event which, at press time, was well past a fundraising target of $17,000 with sponsor dollars pouring in.

Topping the list of teams was the CHATS Board Walkers, which raised a whopping $5,650 for the cause, while the team from the Aurora Seniors' Association glided into second place with $1,697.

“I always say I come from the best community – well, most people say that, but I am actually right when I say it – and part of the reason is so many great organizations like CHATS,” said Newmarket-Aurora MP Kyle Peterson at the conclusion of the Walk. “As Member of Parliament, you get to take a look at the whole community and all the organizations out there. We really do have a great community and it is because of volunteers and community events and organizations like this.

“You are really, truly making a difference in people's lives. It seems simple to spend a morning walking around a few laps, but those little efforts and events like this make our community so much better and it makes the lives of people who live in our community so much richer.”

CHATS has a long history of service within the York Region and South Simcoe Community.

Its programs include in-home and home safety services to seniors, transportation services and community programs.

“I want to say a very big thank you on behalf of CHATS, the Board, staff and the 480-plus volunteers who contribute to providing support to York Region's older adults on behalf of CHATS to support their care close to every day of the year,” said CHATS Board Chair Ian Hilley. “This is a very important event for us.”

Upcoming events in support of CHATS include a car rally on August 24, supported by snapd Richmond Hill, and the Tim Jones Classic Golf Tournament on September 9.