Sooke Grand Parade aims to raise $25k for seniors gathering place

Registration is open for Sooke’s Grand Parade supporting seniors services happening on Sept. 19

Sooke Grand Parade aims to raise $25k for seniors gathering place Published 5:45 am Monday, July 13, 2026 Registration is now open for the third annual Grand Parade Sooke, with organizers hoping to raise $25,000 to support the future Sooke Gathering Place and expand services for seniors in the region. The fundraising walk, organized by the Sooke Region Communities Health Network (SRCHN), is scheduled for Sept. 19.

Participants can choose between a 2.5-kilometre or 5-kilometre route, both beginning and ending at the kiosk in front of Evergreen Mall on Sooke Road. The family-friendly event raises money through peer-to-peer fundraising, with all proceeds from the Sooke walk remaining in the community to help build the Sooke Gathering Place, a planned activity centre for older adults and other community members. According to SRCHN, the Sooke region has gone more than 15 years without a seniors centre and is one of the few communities in British Columbia without one.

“Peer-to-peer fundraising brings in money from around the globe,” said event lead Marlene Barry. “With your help, we can get the Gathering Place built and bring in funds from outside our local area. Thanks to the Blue Sea Foundation, we have maps showing how far your reach extends when you join a team to fundraise and walk.”

Participants will receive refreshments along the route before returning to the kiosk for a free celebration meal and entertainment. Those unable to attend in person can also participate through an off-site walk. Walkers who raise at least $150, or $75 for youth participants, will receive an official Grand Parade T-shirt, while the first 100 participants to raise $500 or more will also receive a Grand Parade sweatshirt.

Organizers expect up to 120 walkers and 20 teams to take part in this year’s event. Supported nationally by the Blue Sea Foundation, the Grand Parade takes place in communities across Canada to honour older adults while raising money for local organizations that provide services and support for seniors.