Kingston set to step up for seniors with first-ever Grand Parade

It is a fundraiser for Oasis, a Kingston-founded program that brings activities and services directly to older adults living in naturally occurring retirement communities.

Kingston is preparing to lace up for a new community tradition this fall.

On Saturday, Sept. 20, the city will host its first-ever Grand Parade, a nationwide fundraising walk in support of seniors. The local goal is to raise $20,000 for Oasis, a Kingston-founded program that brings activities and services directly to older adults living in naturally occurring retirement communities. Co-lead of Oasis Vince DePaul explains more.

So far, organizers have reached 25 per cent of their target and are calling on the community to help push them over the finish line. Catherine Donnelly, co-lead of Oasis Evaluation and Expansion Project says that bringing awareness to aging is important.

The family-friendly event kicks off with registration at 10 a.m., opening remarks at 10:45 a.m., and the walk at 11 a.m., led by the Queen’s University Marching Band. A celebration meal will follow. If you're not able to make it out to the event but still want to support, Event Director Shannon Jones says you can still help.

With Grandparents Day in September, organizers say the event is the perfect chance for families to come together.

Story by Alyssa Brush