Hello Warriors,

I am so excited to announce that the Warriors are back this year and going to make 2020 a year like no other! 

I wanted to take a minute to introduce myself, my name is Heather (Wilkinson) Kay. I have been involved with the SuperWalk since 2005, when my son started a Bottle Drive Campaign when Ryan was only 4 years old.  I was the SuperWalk Coordinator in 2008-2009 and a few years ago joined the Passion for Parkinson’s Group that raises money for the Warriors by putting on an amazing Gala each year.  I have included a picture of my dad Jim Wilkinson with my son Derek and a picture from our amazing walk last year with my sister, Cara Smith.  I am proud to carry on the Wilkinson Warriors this year as your new captain and keep my dad’s legacy alive.

The Mississauga Warriors Team started back in 2012, with 25 members that were all dedicated to make a difference for those living with Parkinson’s.  Some of the team members are still with this amazing group today.  The name changed when the members wanted to make a tribute to my father when he passed away in 2015.  We were all very honored when the team name changed to the Mississauga Wilkinson Warriors and glad that my mother welcomed the change before she passed that same year.

Last year our father was recognized at the SuperWalk with a very thoughtful dedication and plaque.  We now have 52 members and have raised over 200 THOUSAND DOLLARS!

This year we have been hit with many challenges, most of all we have all had the chance to be forced to slow down since COVID-19 came into our lives.  We have a new appreciation to visit our loved ones and support them.

I want to hear your stories!  Please send me a picture of the person that has inspired you to walk for Parkinson’s and tell me your story. I want to share these pictures on the Mississauga Warriors SuperWalk page and with your permission put it on the Mississauga SuperWalk Facebook and Instagram feeds through the Coordinator Tamara Boaden.  This walk will be more memorable then previous years through our new appreciation for life that COVID-19 has given us.

I want to also know if you have ideas for small fundraising activities that you would like to see happen this year.  I am here to support and to help see your dreams become a reality. 

I would love to host car washes for those that are comfortable in your neighbourhood.  I can drive to any location in Peel and do the car wash in the comfort of your neighbours driveways.  If you can get a good number of your neighbours to participate, I will bring the power washer, soap and have their car looking nice on the outside.  I can bring a ShopVac to do the inside for those that would be comfortable with that.

I will also be sending you letters that if you feel comfortable to send out to your lawyers, doctors, friends and family that you can change to fit your story but will help get our fundraising started.  We will also be getting our little Warriors out to participate this year with a Toonie Drive.  All of this information will be sent out in the next couple of days/weeks so keep your eyes open for those emails.

I have also set up an email account so you can email me any time with your thoughts or comments.  We are a dynamic team and we can do this together!

wilkinsonwarriors@gmail.com

As my father used to say: “I may have Parkinson’s, but Parkinson’s doesn’t have me!”

Yours Truly,

Heather (Wilkinson) Kay