Preparations are underway for the Walk 2Talk taking place Sunday in support of Tri-City youth and a pilot texting platform to help those struggling with bullying, mental health and other troubling issues.
The free event, to take place at Riverside secondary school in Port Coquitlam on Sunday, Feb. 22, is the third annual for the I Am Someone Let's End Bullying Society and is part fundraiser and part free family festival, according to PoCo Mayor Greg Moore.
Moore, who is also the spokesperson for I Am Someone that launched the 2Talk texting platform with Telus funding last year, says he hopes for a good crowd - dressed in pink - to make a statement in support of youth and a compassionate community where bullying doesn't happen.
"I think it looks spectacular when you have this pink stream of umbrellas and shirts weaving its way through the community," he said. "This display is extraordinary in terms of support of youth."
Although it's early days yet, the texting program that connects youth with BC211, a resource and referral agency, has been used by dozens of teens, mostly between the ages of 14 and 16, and some from outside the Tri-Cities as well.
"This is a good service that we hope we can take broader than the Tri-Cities," said Moore, who said youth using the service have texted about mental health issues, bullying, grief and loneliness. And for some of these kids, having a text connection using their smartphones ensures they get help instead of staying isolated.
The Walk 2Talk will provide opportunities to purchase merchandise in support of the program; as well, people can buy t-shirts, buttons, wristbands and umbrellas at guest services at Coquitlam Centre until the end of February.
Moore said I Am Someone is also crowdfunding through BlackPress4Good and people can make a donation online at fundrazr.com/campaigns/evo17. The group hopes to raise $5,000 by Feb. 23 (the day after the walk).
WALK 2TALK: the details
Registration begins at 11:30 a.m. and the walk begins at 12:30 p.m.
There will be face painting by Riverside secondary art students; entertainment by nine-year old Tyson Venegas, the little crooner who has won a BC Junior Talent Search and first place a the PNE Star Showdown; and entertainment by Second Storey Theatre. PoCo firefighters will assist with the Kindness Pledge Tree and there will be free Tim Hortons Timbits and beverages.
For a minimum donation, participants can purchase chips and hot dogs barbecued by the PoCo Lions and cotton candy by Cotton Candy Kids.
Steve Darling, Global News anchor, will emcee and the 2-km easy walk takes about 30 minutes, leaving from and returning to Riverside secondary, walking though PoCo's downtown.
