BRANTFORD, ON — Lace up those walking shoes, rally your friends and get ready to make every step count! The Grand River Council on Aging (GRCOA) has officially launched its 2026 Grand Parade campaign, bringing the community together for a celebration that is part fundraiser, part festival and all about creating a more connected community for older adults.
The campaign officially kicked off on Wednesday, August 6, at Aspira Brant’s Landing Retirement Living, the lead sponsor of this year’s event. Community leaders, sponsors, volunteers and supporters gathered to launch the annual campaign and get the countdown underway to one of GRCOA’s biggest events of the year.
And this year, the goal is a big one.
The 2026 Grand Parade is aiming to bring together 120 walkers and raise $40,000 to support programs and resources for older adults throughout Brantford, Brant County and Six Nations of the Grand River.
But you don’t have to be a marathon walker — or even leave your neighbourhood — to take part.
Every Step Counts
The Grand Parade will take place on Saturday, September 19, 2026, at Kiwanis Field in Brantford, where participants can enjoy an accessible walking track alongside music, refreshments, raffles, cheerleaders, a Kids Zone and activities designed for people of all ages and abilities.
For those who can’t make it to Kiwanis Field, GRCOA has made participation even more flexible. Walkers can organize their own off-site walk from virtually anywhere in the world, making it possible to join the celebration no matter where they are.
There is also the ever-popular Parade at Home Challenge, giving retirement homes the opportunity to get involved and create their own Grand Parade experience with residents.
In other words, there are plenty of ways to put the “grand” in Grand Parade.
The campaign is already gaining momentum, with 20 teams and 45 walkers registered so far. With plenty of room left for new teams, individual walkers, volunteers and supporters, GRCOA is encouraging the community to jump on board and help push those numbers toward its 120-walker goal.
More Than Just a Walk
While the Grand Parade may involve plenty of walking, the reason behind it goes much further.
Funds raised through the event help support GRCOA programs and resources that help older adults stay informed, connected and engaged in their communities.
That includes the Community at Home virtual workshops, the Age-Friendly Calendar, Seniors’ Discount Directory, bi-weekly newsletter and the INFO HUB — a valuable collection of more than 350 local resources available in over 100 languages.
These resources help make information more accessible while connecting older adults with the services, activities and opportunities available in their communities.
“The Grand Parade is about bringing people together to celebrate older adults while raising funds for programs that help them stay informed, connected, and engaged,” said Lucy Marco, Executive Director of the Grand River Council on Aging.
A Community Effort
Behind every successful community event is a long list of people willing to lend a hand, and the Grand Parade is no exception.
GRCOA is recognizing the generous support of this year’s community sponsors, led by Aspira Brants Landing Retirement Living. Additional sponsors include Ears to You Mobile Hearing Clinic, Skyline Living, The Terry Summerhayes Team, Move with Cindy and Mindy, CareRX, Age-Pro Brantford Senior Support Services, The Co-operators – McNaughton Agency, Kiwanis Club of Brantford, Brant-Brantford Paramedic Services and BScene.
The sponsorship campaign has already raised $7,500 toward its $10,000 goal, giving the 2026 campaign an impressive head start.
But there is still plenty of work — and walking — ahead.
Whether you’re looking to form a team with coworkers, gather the family for a Saturday outing, support a loved one, volunteer your time or simply make a donation, the Grand Parade offers an opportunity for everyone to contribute.
“Every step helps create a stronger, more age-friendly community where older adults can continue to thrive,” said Marco.
And that’s what makes the Grand Parade about so much more than the distance covered on September 19. It’s about recognizing the contributions of older adults, creating connections between generations and making sure people have the resources and support they need to stay active and engaged in their communities.
So, Brantford, it’s time to get moving.
Grab your walking shoes, bring the family, build a team or find your own way to participate. Whether your Grand Parade involves a few laps around Kiwanis Field, a walk around the neighbourhood or a celebration at home, every step, every dollar and every helping hand can make a difference.
With the 2026 campaign officially underway, GRCOA is inviting the entire community to step up, show their support and help make this year’s Grand Parade the biggest one yet.
To register, donate, sponsor or learn more about the 2026 Grand Parade, visit thegrandparade.org/location/brantford
