Celebrating inclusion

Transcona

Winnipeg

The 22nd annual Walk with L’Arche is not only a great way to spend a Sunday afternoon outdoors with some wonderful people, it’s also a celebration of the contributions people with intellectual disabilities make to our communities — and it raises funds for home repairs, musical therapy programs and social initiatives.

It’s the biggest fundraiser of the year for L’Arche Winnipeg, which creates homes and social opportunities for people with intellectual disabilities, according to communications and fund development co-ordinator Mira Ramlal.

This year’s event will be held at Park City West Community Centre (115 Sanford Fleming Rd.), on Sunday, May 3. Registration begins at 2 p.m., with the walk commencing at 3 p.m.

L’Arche Winnipeg operates six homes and a supported independent living program. Some of the funds generated May 3 will be devoted to repairing those homes, with the remainder devoted to accessible transportation and community programming. Those programs, which provide valuable social opportunities, are not government funded, so the more L’Arche raises, the more experiences it can provide.

“It’s a great celebration of the community,” Ramlal said of the walk. “It’s a great way for supporters to come out and connect with people with disabilities and celebrate the gifts they bring to the community.”

Walk with L’Arche promises a fun afternoon filled with face painting, entertainment, raffle prizes, a 50/50 draw, barbecue and walking. Participants can choose a one- or five-kilometre route. A highlight is a performance by L’Arche members that you won’t want to miss.

Ramlal said it’s easy to support the walk. Visit www.larchewinnipeg.org/get-involved/the-walk/ to make a donation. You can also create your own fundraising page there and collect pledges from friends, family and co-workers, or register to volunteer at the walk.

The 2025 Walk With L’Arche raised more than $53,000 and attracted more than 360 people. Ramlal said the organization would love to top those totals, because it would allow L’Arche to accomplish so much more. A music therapy program has provided an important avenue for self-expression and grief processing. Day programs offer a variety of experiences. Available transportation means more people can enjoy an outing.

Ramlal said those outings are especially valuable for L’Arche members who have been with them for decades, some since the 1970s. Getting out in the community combats social isolation.