TOURETTES TREK RAISES $4,500 SUNDAY IN GRAVENHURST

GRAVENHURST — A lot of small steps added up to one big step for Tourettes Sunday.

The 11th annual Muskoka Trek for Tourette on March 17 had a few more who walked 5 kms around Gravenhurst in support of Tourette Canada.

And more Trekkers meant more money, a big pot of gold.

This year they raised more than $4,500 for Tourette Canada, just $500 short of their goal. But a 50 per cent increase over 2018.

All funds raised from the Trek go towards Tourette Canada’s mission of education, research, and awareness about the disorder.

A quarter of the funds will stay in Muskoka to support the work of the Muskoka TS Resource Unit. Donations can still be made online at www.tourette.ca/trek

Trekkers celebrate their successful walk on Sunday at the Terry Fox Room in the Centennial Centre.

“We had great weather this year – overcast and a high of 4C,” said organizer Shawn Forth.

“In the 12 communities across Canada the weather ranged from -3C up to 13C with sun, rain, snow, and all weather in-between. The month of March was chosen for the Trek to be as challenging as the lives of people living with Tourette Syndrome (TS), with weather as unpredictable as the disorder.

The Trek for Tourette started in 2009 to raise money and awareness for Tourette Canada. Since the first Trek, over $35,000 has been raised in Muskoka.

Tourette Syndrome is a misunderstood neurological disorder, with motor and vocal tics and twitches. There is no cure for TS.

The Muskoka TS Resource Unit holds meetings on the first Wednesday of each month at Muskoka Falls P.S. from 6:30 – 8:30 p.m. Educators, medical professionals, families, and individuals with TS are all welcome to attend.

Their next meeting is Wednesday April 3.

To find out more information about Tourette Canada or Tourette Syndrome, please visit

www.tourette.ca

The organizers wish to thank everyone in Muskoka for showing your support and helping to raise awareness about Tourette Syndrome.

More Trekkers meant more money for Tourettes this year in Gravenhurst, where 65 people raised $4,500, of which a quarter stays locally.
Youngsters in donning their best green cut the ribbon before the walk on St. Patrick’s Day, March 17.
The 5 km walk took took the bundled up Trekkers from the arena, down the main street and back.