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Jaffa Shrine hosts annual ‘Walk for Love' despite rainy weather
ALTOONA, Pa. (WTAJ) — Sunday's rain couldn't stop people from supporting children who need medical care.
Despite the rain, the annual 'Walk for Love' took place inside the Jaffa Shrine. The 1-mile walk usually starts on Broad Avenue and turns onto 29th Street.
The walk supports Shriners Children's Philadelphia who provides care for children with fractures, sports injuries, orthopedic conditions, scoliosis, spinal cord conditions and spine injuries.
'Every dollar we raise, you know, it goes to the Philadelphia hospital and allows them to buy equipment and that kind of thing. So it is hugely important that we get a big support for this and the hospitals, they so much appreciate everybody that comes out here,' Gary Smith, 2025 Potentate for Jaffa Shriners said.
This year's walk saw a decline in attendance, but Smith said they're looking to raise just as much as last year.
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Children from all over the Commonwealth are transported to Shriners Hospital in Philadelphia, including children from Blair and surrounding counties.
'Without that need for that hospital, these children would be handicapped for life. So, it's a lifesaving experience for those children. And we really need the community to support us and what we're doing for these children in the area,' Lawrence Maasaro, a Road Runner for the Jaffa Shriners said.
For future events at the Jaffa Shrine click here. To support or donate to Shriners Children's Philadelphia, visit their website.
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