Mayor’s walk

Volunteers are essential to a community, says the president of a volunteer organization.

The annual RBC Royal Bank Mayor’s Walk, held at the Current River Recreation Centre on Saturday, had more than 120 people walk in the event. Participants walked either two or five kilometres in support a agency or group of their choosing. About 120 non-profit organizations have benefited from the $120,000 raised by the walk.

"If people stop volunteering for one day you’d be surprised the number of services that shut down in a city like Thunder Bay," said Brent Boyko, president of Volunteer Thunder Bay. "It’s an essential part of the community."

Boyko said he hope to raise $30,000 at the walk this year. Volunteer Thunder Bay asked participants to collect pledges with a charity of their choice receiving 60 per cent of the money raised. The rest of funds go to Volunteer Thunder Bay.

Mayor Lynn Peterson said Thunder Bay residence volunteered at higher rates compared to other cities across the country. She said the event offered people a chance to raise money for a agencies or groups in the community that needed funds.

"I’m really proud to be here," Peterson said. "The volunteerism in this community is so rich and makes such a difference to all of us. The dedication these people put into their causes and their agencies are really outstanding. We all benefit."