For most people, the Teddy Bear Picnic Grande Parade is an opportunity for kids to show off their teddy bears and have fun with their friends and families.
But a group of parade participants will be walking for a different reason when the event gets underway this Sunday.
The Walk for Values, organized by Members of the Sri Sathya Sai Baba Centre of Coquitlam, will join in the celebration, promoting a message of "peace, love, right conduct, truth and non-violence."
"The theme of our walk this year is unity and strength," said Erwin Dookheet, a youth coordinator with the Sri Sathya Sai Baba Centre. "We are just trying to get everyone to know we are accepting of everyone around us."
Dookheet said the group has been walking in the parade for close to eight years and generally draws 150 people to the event. This year's walk was particularly significant, he added, because it follows a recent proclamation by the B.C. provincial government to name April 24 Human Values Day.
Taking part in the Teddy Bear Parade was an easy choice for the group, Dookheet said.
"We like joining the Teddy Bear Parade because it is fun," he said. "We thought it was the best way to spread the message."
Participants hoping to attend the walk are asked to meet behind Coquitlam city hall (3000 Guildford Way) by the Spirit Square on Sunday, June 11. The parade starts at 10 a.m. Those taking part in the parade and walk should dress appropriately for the weather and bring lots of water if it is hot.
The Teddy Bear Picnic Grande Parade is an annual event where kids are invited to bring their teddy bears and watch a parade. After the parade, the festivities move to Coquitlam's Town Centre Park between 11 a.m. and 4 p.m.
For more information about the picnic and parade go to festivalcoquitlam.ca.
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