You are invited to participate in Walk-or-Wheel (WOW) 2025, an Extend-A-Family Waterloo Region event that will raise money and awareness to support the inclusion and belonging for people with disabilities and their families in Waterloo Region.

Check out the Event Poster

It’s easy to participate! 

1. Register online or in-person as a WOW 2025 Participant or Team (Registration is FREE!)
2. Start collecting pledges from your family, friends, neighbours, and supporters. The official fundraising campaign runs September 8 – 20, but you can start online whenever you would like!
3. You are invited to join us for our Walk-or-Wheel 2025 Celebration on Saturday September 20, happening in the parking lot at Extend-A-Family Waterloo Region, 91 Moore Avenue in Kitchener! This is a chance to celebrate and join us for an accessible loop around the neighbourhood, family-friendly activities, and so much more. Register for the celebration here!
4. Drop off your cash/cheque pledges on September 20 at the event or at the EAFWR Office at 91 Moore Avenue, Kitchener. All pledges MUST be dropped off by September 22, 2025.

As always – we will have some amazing prizes for our top individual fundraiser and our top team fundraiser!  This year we will also have an incentive mountain to climb to motivate you to reach your fundraising goals!

So grab your family, Direct Support Provider, friends and neighbours or participate on your own – get involved and have some fun while knowing you’re making a difference!

Fundraise

Collect pledges on your own or as a team from September 8 – 20, 2025 in support of our Community Development initiatives focused on growing belonging, community, equity and relationships in Waterloo Region.

Walk-or-Wheel

Walk or roll with us on an accessible community walk in the Midtown neighbourhood! Together, we will raise awareness and support inclusion and belonging for people with disabilities and their families.

WOW Celebration

Join us for a fun celebration! Enjoy activities for ALL ages and abilities, delicious snacks and the chance to learn about Extend-A-Family Waterloo Region.

Register for the WOW Celebration

All are welcome to attend! Free crafts, games and so much more!

When: Saturday September 20 from 1:30 – 4:00pm

Where: Extend-A-Family Waterloo Region – Parking Lot (91 Moore Avenue, Kitchener)

There are TWO ways to register!

Online – Register online on our online PLEDGE website! Sign-up as an individual or join a team to participate. Set up your personalized fundraising page and then spread the word and start collecting pledges!

Offline – Offline – Download a Registration Form & Official Pledge Form. Collect your pledges and submit the cash/cheques from Sept 8 – 20, 2025 at the Extend-A-Family Waterloo Region office (91 Moore Avenue, Kitchener). All pledges MUST be dropped off by Friday September 26, 2025.

How To Register

How To Personalize & Edit Your Fundraising Page

Activities & Challenges

We challenge you to collect pledges and complete as many challenges as you can! Be sure to check out our Resource Section and share your adventures with us on Facebook and/or Instagram @eafwr using #WalkorWheel #BetterTogetherWR for your chance to win a $25 gift card.

❐ Join us for our WOW Celebration on Saturday September 20 from 1:30 – 4:00PM at Extend-A-Family Waterloo Region – Parking Lot (91 Moore Ave, Kitchener). REGISTER HERE!

❐ Go for a walk/roll/wheel in your neighbourhood

❐ Explore one new trail in Waterloo Region

❐ Play at one of our local accessible playgrounds

❐ Go Forest Bathing

❐ Do some gardening

❐ Go for a bike ride/scooter/skateboard

❐ Kick a soccer ball, throw a baseball, shoot some hoops, play frisbee golf, tennis or golf

❐ Hit the Grand River and go for a paddle

❐ Go Geocaching! Download the app here.

❐ Collect $50 in pledges

❐ Do a virtual fitness class on YouTube (check out our Virtual Choice Board and Accessible Activity Board)

❐ Dance! Check out the Virtual Choice Board for some dance options.

❐ Post your WOW participation on social media – be sure to share with @eafwr and use the hashtags #WalkorWheel #BetterTogetherWR

Resources

Cambridge

• City of Cambridge Trails* - https://www.cambridge.ca/en/parks-recreation-culture/Trails-List.aspx#
• Riverside Park* - https://facilities.cambridge.ca/home/detail?id=cb9a600c-a4f1-4bb5-a1c4-af70aaaa2266
• RARE Trails - https://raresites.org/trails/

Kitchener

• City of Kitchener Trails* - https://www.kitchener.ca/en/parks-and-trails/trails.aspx
• Victoria Park* - playground, trails, outdoor exercise equipment - https://www.kitchener.ca/en/parks-and-trails/victoria-park.aspx
• McLennan Park Playground* - https://www.kitchener.ca/en/parks-and-trails/mclennan-park.aspx
• Huron Natural Area* - https://www.kitchener.ca/en/parks-and-trails/huron-natural-area.aspx
• Downtown Kitchener Art Walk* - https://issuu.com/dtkownit/docs/field_guide_for_web
• Kitchener Make Tracks 5KM Challenge: https://www.kitchener.ca/en/arts-culture-and-events/make-tracks.aspx

North Dumfries

• North Dumfries Trails* - https://www.northdumfries.ca/en/play-explore/trails.aspx#

Waterloo

• City of Waterloo Trails* - https://www.waterloo.ca/en/living/trails.aspx
• Waterloo Park - https://www.waterloo.ca/en/things-to-do/waterloo-park.aspx
• Hugh’s Art Lane Walk* - https://explorewaterloo.ca/2020/11/explore-uptown-waterloos-hughes-lane-art-walk/

Wellesley

• Wellesley Trails* - https://wellesleyma.gov/399/Trails
• Wellesley Playground - https://facilities.wellesley.ca/Home/Detail?CategoryIds=&FacilityTypeIds=115&Keywords=&ScrollTo=google-map-trigger&CloseMap=true&HasAdvancedSearch=false&Id=2882c8d3-42ef-4325-b145-feb1c3afd060
• St. Clements Community Centre Playground* - 1 Green Street, St. Clements, ON
• Wellesley Playground - 1004 Catherine St., Wellesley, N0B 2M0

Wilmot

• Wilmot Trails* - //bit.ly/38Z4a63
• Wilmot Recreation Complex Playground*

Woolwich

• Woolwich Trails* - https://bit.ly/2LP5TC8
• Kate’s Place Playground* & Outdoor Fitness Equipment @ Gibson Park, Elmira
• Kissing Bridge Trail* - https://www.kissingbridgetrailway.ca/

More Fun Resources

• Forest Bathing - https://www.ontarioparks.com/parksblog/guide-forest-bathing/
• Frisbee Golf - https://www.grandriverdiscgolf.com/
• Geocaching - https://www.geocaching.com/play
• Adventure Lab - https://www.geocaching.com/sites/adventure-lab/en/

Small Group Activities (Virtual)

Group activities and online registration will be posted in May, but will occur during WOW 2021 (June 1-14).

Pre-registration will be mandatory. There will be a limited number of spaces available in order to ensure adherence to local COVID-19 protocols

We rely heavily on the support from our community sponsors to bring you Walk-or-Wheel and this year is no different! 

We have the following sponsorship opportunities available for 2025 and are pleased to provide you with the following sponsor benefits.

These benefits are negotiable; we would like this partnership to be a win-win-win!

Community Ambassador – $2000+

Web promotion on Event Page:

• Large logo with sponsorship level and link to your website

Social Media Promotion:

• Business name listed as a sponsor in paid social media advertising
• Post with details about your business’ support of community
• Individual post about your sponsorship and level
• Combined thank you post with all sponsors of the same level

Event Promotion:

• Named in media communications, if applicable – print/radio
• Logo on event poster

At the Event:

• Opportunity to speak or submit a 1 minute event support video
• Logo on event materials: printouts
• Business cards or business brochure on event tables, if applicable
• Banner and/or table at event with materials about your business
• Logo on sponsorship boar showing levels of support
• Logo on event sponsorship board showing levels of support
• Verbal thank you at event with your sponsorship level
• Opportunity to volunteer at the event
• Opportunity to donate SWAG for hand-out to participants
• Opportunity to donate prizes for participants and recognition

If you have any questions, please email Lisa at fundraising@eafwr.on.ca

Champion of Belonging – $1000

Web promotion on Event Page:

• Medium logo with sponsorship level and link to your website

Social Media Promotion:

• Post with details about your business’ support of community
• Individual post about your sponsorship and level
• Combined thank you post with all sponsors of the same level

Event Promotion

• Logo on event poster

At the Event:

• Banner and/or table at event with materials about your business
• Logo on sponsorship board showing levels of support
• Logo on event sponsorship board showing levels of support
• Verbal thank you at event with your sponsorship level
• Opportunity to volunteer at the event
• Opportunity to donate SWAG for hand-out to participants
• Opportunity to donate prizes for participants and recognition

Relationship Builder – $500

Web promotion on Event Page:

• Small logo with sponsorship level and link to your website

Social Media:

• Individual post about your sponsorship and level
• Combined thank you post with all sponsors of the same level

Event Promotion:

• Logo on event poster

At the Event:

• Logo on sponsorship screen showing levels of support
• Logo on event sponsorship board showing levels of support
• Verbal thank you at event with your sponsorship level
• Opportunity to volunteer at the event
• Opportunity to donate SWAG for hand-out to participants
• Opportunity to donate prizes for participants and recognition

Event Equity Sponsor – $250

Web promotion on Event Page:

• Name of business with sponsorship level/link to your website

Social media:

• Combined thank you post with all sponsors of the same level

At the Event:

• Logo on sponsorship screen showing levels of support
• Logo on event sponsorship board showing levels of support
• Verbal thank you at event with your sponsorship level
• Opportunity to volunteer at the event
• Opportunity to donate SWAG for hand-out to participants
• Opportunity to donate prizes for participants and recognition

You can also check out our WOW 2025 Sponsorship package. For more information and to make arrangements to sponsor WOW, please contact Lisa at fundraising@eafwr.on.ca

WOW 2025 Celebration
One of the things we love most about Walk-or-Wheel is being together, getting caught up with friends, the smiles and the laughs. Join us for a day of community, connection and celebration!

When: Saturday September 20 from 1:30 – 4:00PM

Where: EAFWR Office – Parking Lot (91 Moore Ave, Kitchener)

Register for the WOW Celebration Here!

Here are some great activities you can participate in from home.

Chalk Your Walk: Decorate your sidewalk and let people know that you are participating in WOW 2025 in support of Extend-A-Family Waterloo Region. Tag @eafwr on Facebook and/or Instagram and use the hashtags #WalkorWheel and #BetterTogetherWR

Past Photos: Have you participated in EAFWR’s Walk-or-Wheel in the past? Share a photo with us of your favourite memory. We can’t wait to see them all! Post on social media and tag us @eafwr

Get Groovy: Turn up the tunes while you’re participating in one of our many WOW Passport Challenges this year! Check it out here: Walk-or-Wheel Playlist on Spotify

Have you shared with us on social media? 

What is Walk-Or-Wheel?

Walk-or-Wheel (WOW) is a pledge-based fundraiser in support of inclusion and belonging for people with disabilities and families connected with Extend-A-Family Waterloo Region. 

This year, we are challenging everyone to participate in WOW 2025! Regardless of your fitness or activity level, this year’s format is flexible and sure to be a hit with everyone in your family or network. Participate solo, with your Direct Support Person, or your family – everyone can get involved and have some fun! 

You can also participate from home. Our Resource section includes a number of different activities for you (and your team) to participate in, located around Waterloo Region, that will get you active, exploring, and enjoying some fresh fall air!

When is Walk-Or-Wheel 2025 taking place?

This year, Walk-or-Wheel 2024 is taking place from September 8 – 20 over a two-week period! You get to pick and choose your activities. You can choose to participate outdoors in many of our activities or from home, online. You choose what works best for you!

We’ll be wrapping things up with our WOW Celebration on Saturday September 20 from 1:30 – 4:00pm at Extend-A-Family Waterloo Region – Parking Lot (91 Moore Avenue, Kitchener)

How can I participate in Walk-or-Wheel? 

1. Fundraise: Collect pledges on your own or as a team from September 8 – 20, 2025 in support of our Community Development initiatives focused on growing belonging, community, equity and relationships in Waterloo Region. Check out our Resource Section above and share your adventures with us on Facebook and Instagram by tagging @eafwr and using the hashtags #WalkorWheel #BetterTogetherWR
2. Walk-or-Wheel: Walk or roll with us on an accessible community walk in the Midtown neighbourhood! Together, we will raise awareness and support inclusion and belonging for people with disabilities and their families.
3. WOW Celebration: Join us for a fun celebration! Enjoy activities for ALL ages and abilities, delicious snacks and the chance to learn about Extend-A-Family Waterloo Region. All are welcome to attend! Free crafts, games and so much more!

When: Saturday September 20 from 1:30 – 4:00pm

Where: Extend-A-Family Waterloo Region – Parking Lot (91 Moore Avenue, Kitchener)

We’re wrapping up Walk-or-Wheel 2025 with our WOW Celebration on Saturday September 20 from 1:30 – 4:00pm at Extend-A-Family Waterloo Region Parking Lot (91 Moore Avenue, Kitchener).

The WOW Celebration will include activities for ALL ages and abilities, delicious snacks and the chance to learn about Extend-A-Family Waterloo Region!

Register Here for the WOW Celebration!

How can people register to fundraise for Walk-or-Wheel?

You can sign up online through our CanadaHelps page or download a hard copy of the registration form. Registration will remain open for the duration of Walk-or-Wheel 2025 from September 8 – 20, 2025.

What if I don’t want to register online? What do I do with the pledges I have collected?

Thank you so much for collecting pledges in support of Extend-A-Family Waterloo Region! You are awesome! You can drop your pledges off at our office at 91 Moore Avenue, Kitchener, N2H 3S4 between 9:30 a.m.- 4:00 p.m. from Monday through Friday. 

Please make sure you drop off all pledges by end of day on Monday September 22, 2025

What are the registration costs?

Nothing. Nada. Zilch. We have waived all registration costs in order to remove a barrier to participation. It’s our hope that by waiving the registration fee, we’ll have more people participating across Waterloo Region from September 8 – 20, 2025, and attending our WOW Celebration on September 20.

Are the activities and challenges accessible?

Yes! If you plan on fundraising, we have done our very best to ensure that we have offered accessible activities and challenges for all! As much as we have researched our resources, we encourage participants to do their own research beforehand to ensure that the activity and/or challenge can accommodate your specific needs.

How many people can be on a team?

We suggest 6-10 people. A great way to raise funds as a team is 10 people. A great way to raise funds as a team is to have a little friendly competition with another team and see who can raise the most money in support of Extend-A-Family Waterloo Region.

How can I gather pledges to support the Walk-or-Wheel?

We are here for you each step of the way here for you each step of the way! A great way to start is by setting a goal for your fundraising efforts. If you find a way to let your friends, family and neighbours know why EAFWR is important to you, they will be happy to support you. Keep it simple and heartfelt!

E.g. “I am participating in an upcoming fundraiser, it is in support of EAFWR, and I am going to complete a list of challenges and activities throughout Waterloo Region. All the proceeds will go towards people and families living with disabilities in Waterloo Region. EAFWR is important to me because…..

Will you please help me reach my goal of $________ for the 2025 Walk-or-Wheel? Thank you! 

Participants are encouraged to collect pledges. Online donations will be sent directly to EAFWR.

How will you know if I participated in the challenges and activities? 

Well, the honest answer is, we won’t, but we hope that you’ll check out our awesome list of activities, challenges and resources that we have specially put together just for you! And because we will miss seeing you at an in-person WOW event this year, we’d love to see you on social media! Guess what? Everyone who tags @eafwr and tag #WalkorWheel #BetterTogetherWR in a Facebook or Instagram post will be entered to win a $25 gift card 

When will tax receipts be issued for donations?

When someone makes a pledge or a donation online, they are automatically issued a tax receipt. They will receive this almost very quickly after completing their transaction, it will be delivered electronically and sent to their email address. This is done through CanadaHelps, the online portal we use. Donations made in person will be issued as soon as possible after the event. Tax receipts will be issued for gifts of $10 and up. Canada Revenue guidelines require a full name and address so please be sure to collect all of the necessary information on your pledge form.

How do you afford to run an event like this? 

Great question! We rely on the kindness and generosity of our partners and sponsors to help us raise funds for the work we do to support people living with a disability in our community. Stay tuned to find out who this year’s sponsors are!

We’re so glad that you’re interested in sponsoring Walk-or-Wheel and thank you for your support!

Our 2025 Sponsorship package has all the details of how you can sponsor. If you have any questions, please reach out to Lisa at fundraising@eafwr.on.ca