G.A. Family Services Foster Care of West Seneca has announced the first annual Walk for Kids to take place this September at Canalside in downtown Buffalo. The Walk for Kids is a free, family-friendly event to raise awareness and show support of foster care families throughout western New York. Aside from the walk, the event will feature fun games and activities, food, and information on family-related services available in the area from a variety of different agencies.
The Walk for Kids will take place September 15 beginning with check-in at 9:15 am on the big green lawn at Canalside. Registration is open until September 5 by visiting www.gafamilyservices.org or calling 716-668-0490.
“This walking event is different from others because it is completely free to participate and come enjoy the fun,” said Amy Trabert, Data Analyst and event coordinator for G.A. Family Services. “The event is an opportunity to recognize the wonderful gift that foster families provide to children in need throughout the region. We will also have information and resources available for those interested in becoming foster parents,” said Trabert. Aside from G.A. Family Services, other agencies scheduled to attend include Berkshire Farm Center and Youth Services, New Directions Youth and Family Services, Gateway Longview Foster Care, Child and Family Services, Kid’s Peace Foster Care and Community Programs, Adoption Star, Every Child, YourCare Health Planners, Luggage with Hope of WNY, Foster Love Closet, and Native American Children Services.
The Walk for Kids was created by the staff at G.A. Family Services who recognized a need for a large-scale awareness event to pay tribute to foster families and the need for foster care. Involvement in foster care is not a requirement to attend the event; the event is open to everyone, especially families looking for a fun event for children to participate in. Everyone who registers will receive a walk goodie bag. After the one-mile walk there will be an after party with a bounce house, face painting, activities and games, snacks and food trucks, a DJ, and more. The event is rain or shine.
“We are taking registrations until September 5 and welcome the community to join us for this great event,” said Trabert. “Special thank you to Mattress Firm, Evans Bank, Upstate Pharmacy LTD., and Transitowne Auto Group for being our primary sponsors of this event. Without them and our other event sponsors and supporters this event would not be possible,” said Trabert.
To register or learn more about the first annual Walk for Kids or to receive information about being a vendor at the event, please contact Amy Trabert at 716-668-0490 ext. 5032.
