Vernon

On Sunday, Vernon’s Curve members stepped into action with the fourth annual Zimbabwe Walk. The eight-kilometre walk took place in Polson Park to raise money for the less fortunate in Zimbabwe.

“When I moved to Vernon and bought the Curves here, we built an orphanage in 2010. Now we care for about 1,100 orphans in four different communities,” says Curves owner Angie Yablonski.

It wasn’t only Curves members lacing up their walking shoes. Rotary members and the public also joined in the charitable cause, turning the walk into a community event.

“The soccer association in town has donated thousands of soccer jerseys to take over on a regular basis,” says Yablonski, “ and Sun Valley Sports gives good deals if we’re short on shorts, or whatever."

“The community has really adopted all sorts of (Zimbabwe projects). It’s exciting when the community wants to help and everyone can help in different ways. It’s just learning where people fit in. 

“Right now we’re collecting a thousand pairs of panties at Curves. Last year we did quilts where all the kids got new bedding for their new bunk beds. The beautiful quilts were donated from Curves ladies who had quilting and sewing groups.”

The average cost of each project the group undertakes ranges from $3,500 to $5,000. The annual walk raises an average of $5,000.

“I really want to get a well in one of our communities. They’ve had such a horrible draught this season. That community is in desperate need right now of a well.”

Yablonski goes to Zimbabwe annually to ensure 100 per cent of the funds are distributed properly. Last year, she was joined by 18 people, and on April, 10, 2013 people are heading to one of the villages for one month.

“Lots of them are members of Curves but anyone is welcome to come. If anyone is interested, they can call Curves."

“I went to Zimbabwe this year with the group,” said Curves member Helen Regiers, who was there with her granddaughter Chelsea Roszell, aged nine, who managed to raise $135 on her own.

“It was awesome. It was enlightening, and it was great to see all the projects Angela’s got going over there and how well they work.”

Hailey Yablonski, Transplant, Betty Ann Northup, and Kailee Duggan provided local entertainment.