On June 3rd, I had the pleasure of meeting and speaking with approximately 40 of the Kelowna Parkinson’s Support group about the Just Giver for Parkinson’s Tour.  Like all the people I have met living positively with Parkinson’s and their caregiver’s, once again the reception, inspirational stories and generosity was beyond any expectations.  The photo’s attached show Wayne Van Steinburg of Kelowna presenting myself with a walking stick that Wayne made after the presentation and DVD of the tour and what this means and the impact the tour has had on so many.  As I have come to listen, learn and watch Wayne, you have to appreciate the time, effort and soul that goes into building a gift such as this.  Wayne built the walking stick, inset badges of trails from all over Europe and then varnished to put the final finish on it.  What Wayne didn’t realize at the time is that he inset 13 badges of different destination trails from Europe that he collected over the years. Significant because it reflects one trail for every 100km of the Just Giver Tour.  Speaking with Wayne after admiring the gift and his work, he told me that some of the badges are over 50 yrs old.  Symbolic again as it means I am as old as the walking stick. HHMM is there a message for me too?   Just hope I can last as long as the stick Wayne has made for Tour.  And in case anyone is wondering….we will have the Walking stick on the ride for any moments and mark every 100km we cover.  For me this is truly developing into a tour where we will be riding and carrying the heart of many people with us.  Thank you Wayne, your gift will be touching 1300km of this beautiful province of BC and even more people.

Written by Marc Bowles Tour Rider, 2010