The Central Plains Challenge Walk has now raised over $505,000 since it's inception 9 years ago.

Committee Chair Jakob Lautenschlaeger gives his thoughts on the day.

"It was awesome to see the amount of people that showed up, and we're happy to see all of them here. There was a big group from MacGregor here, and a lot of people from Portage here, from all over the place they came. The support we get from the businesses is awesome, like the sponsors we have, the corporate sponsors have done a big chunk of the funds we have raised today. The support is phenomenal, and we're happy to see that."

Connor Nichols and Mackenzie Wright took part in the walk. Nichols explains why.

"Today we're here walking for our friend Mac, who unfortunately passed away last weekend. We just felt it was something we had to do for him."

Wright says it's something they'll do every year to honour their friend.

"For us it was just really important. It was something that he wanted to be a part of, and I think it's something we'll continue doing in honour of him."

Lautenschlaeger says they always have amazing individual donations, but the bulk always comes from generous local businesses. The Challenge Walk raised $35,000, and donations will be accepted until July.