North Delta students raise $51,537 for ALS at Hawthorne Park community walk
Seaquam Secondary students organized the Move to Cure ALS Walk for a second consecutive year, drawing 307 participants and 15 dogs to raise awareness and funds for the disease.
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Six Seaquam Secondary students from North Delta brought the community together on Sunday, Aug. 9, for a day of walking, entertainment, and fundraising in support of people living with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis.
The annual Move to Cure ALS Walk took place at Hawthorne Rotary Park in Surrey and brought together families, community members, and those with personal connections to the disease. This year's event drew 307 participants and 15 canines. The walk featured food, games, performances, a 50/50 draw, prizes, and information booths.
Student leaders Akshay Kolli, Abhay Thour, Alson Chang, Sivish Shahi, Hrideep Trehan, and Mehtaab Makkar organized the fundraiser for the second year running. Kolli, a main coordinator, said the group wanted to create an event that could raise awareness and funds while giving people a chance to come together. "We're all here to unite towards a shared goal," he said.
This year's event ambassador was Diana Mayhew, who along with her husband Doug shared her firsthand experience living with ALS. Thour said the funds raised would help support ALS research and improve quality of life for people living with the disease, including equipment such as wheelchairs and lifts for homes. "Our goal at this event was to not only raise more funds but at the same time celebrate people who are also living with ALS right now," he said.
As of Aug. 11, the fundraiser had raised $51,537, with donations still being accepted. Last year's event raised about $50,000. The organizers have kept registration free to encourage participation. Thour noted the day's purpose: "This is a day where people can come out with their families and take their mind off of things and have some fun with other people going through the same thing."
For Kolli, getting involved also meant learning more about a disease he initially underestimated. "A lot of people kind of downplay ALS and I even was one of those people," he said. "Learning more about the disease showed him the importance of raising awareness and working toward a cure."
Donations are still open at movetocurealsbc.donordrive.com/Surrey2026. The students hope to continue growing the event in years to come.
At a glance
Where did the Move to Cure ALS Walk take place?
The Move to Cure ALS Walk took place at Hawthorne Rotary Park in Surrey on Sunday, August 9, 2026.
How much money did the walk raise?
As of August 11, 2026, the Move to Cure ALS Walk had raised $51,537, with donations still being accepted.
How many people attended the event?
The walk drew 307 participants and 15 dogs to the event.
