The countdown is on for the 2017 Central Plains Challenge Walk, Run and Roll.

Organizers and sponsors assembled at Portage Mutual Insurance earlier today to kick-off registration for the 10th Anniversary Central Plains Challenge Walk, which is scheduled to take place June 10 at the MNP Building at Island Park. The day will be filled with activities, prizes and food. Loose Unit will provide entertainment and a public barbecue will take place for a first-time at the event.

“I am thrilled to be a part of the Challenge Walk’s 10th Anniversary,” says Sharilyn Knox, Executive Director for Central Plains Cancer Services. “This is our biggest fundraiser of the year and the history behind it is amazing. A group of women from our community saw a need and ran with it and now we are here 10 years later still raising needed funds to keep our services going. We are so grateful for the continued support.”

Each June, communities in the Central Plains region unite as a community to raise funds and awareness for Central Plains Cancer Services so they can continue to offer valuable services such as transportation and community education throughout the region.

"We'd like the community to come together and join us," says Challenge Walk media liaison Jane Tully. "Whether you're a support person, a volunteer or if you'd like to walk, whatever capacity you'd come in we'd be more than happy to have you with us for our day."

"All the funds raised on this day by the corporate sponsors, champions and walkers, all goes to the Central Plains Cancer Service offfice and are used in the community and in the extended community," continues Tully. "We have a total of 73 communities in our region and we'd really like to see some support from some of the outlying regions as well."

Individuals, friends, families, neighbours, classmates, coworkers can form teams and register for the walk. There is no fee to participate in the Central Plains Challenge Walk; however, fundraising is essential for the event to be a success. Each walker is encouraged to raise at least $100, but to set an even higher goal. The walk has raised over $500,000 over its first nine years.

In part to mark the 10th anniversary of the walk, organizers have included new opportunities to win some great prizes by raising more money for Central Plains Cancer Services, including: weekend passes to Dauphin’s Countryfest, Jets Tickets, Goldeyes Tickets, Southport RecPlex Memberships and PRRA Memberships.

Registration is open now. See more information here.