The 2023 Annual Baby Steps Walk to Remember will take place in Edmonton, Alberta on Sunday, August 20th, 2023. Watch this page and Social Media for updates.

Our planning committee is currently creating a beautiful afternoon with special guest speakers, sweet music and a heartfelt ceremony, where each precious, tiny baby will be acknowledged with love.  We hope you and your family and friends will join us for this special event. Please pre-register by filling out the online registration form (once it has been launched) via the link on the front page. It is extremely helpful to our planning committee if you register ahead of time as the day of the Walk is always very busy. You may contact our office at heartsbabyloss@shaw.ca if you have any questions or concerns or need help with your registration.  All family members and friends are welcome to attend. Please know that babies and children are often present for this family~centred event. Would you like to help us out? We can always use an extra set of hands. Tasks range from tiny too large and everything in between. If you can help out then or on the day of the walk, send an email or call our office. We've love to have your support!

      2023 Baby Steps Walk to Remember details:

1:00 pm to 1:45 pm ~ Registration Table opens for anyone who did not register online prior to the deadline on Friday, 18th, 2023. 

1:00 pm to 1:45 pm ~ Waiver Table opens for anyone who did register online prior to the deadline on Friday, August 18th, 2023. Please note: ALL adult participants must sign a Waiver so please stop at the table to sign yours and receive your bubbles.

2:00 pm to 3:30 pm ~ Formal Program begins at 2:00 pm and will end around 3:30ish.

Where: Alberta Legislature Grounds, 10800 97 Avenue NW, Edmonton, Alberta ~ we will gather in the large park on the south side of the grounds by the large bandshell.

 

Time: Onsite registration will open at 1:00 pm to 1:45 pm. The formal part of our program will begin @ 2:00 pm and we should be done by 3:30 pm. Please stop at the registration tent to sign a waiver that all adult walkers must sign.

 

Parking: Several lots exist around the site as well as some street parking. **PLEASE observe signage and do not park in unauthorized spots. The 2023 Baby Steps Walk to Remember committee members, the Board of Directors from the BriarPatch Family Centre, the staff and volunteers from the H.E.A.R.T.S. Baby Loss Support Program will not reimburse any parking fees you may incur.

 

What to bring: Hats, good walking shoes, sunscreen, bug spray, an umbrella (to keep the rain away!), a blanket or chairs to sit on, wagon or strollers for littles, snacks to eat, water to stay hydrated. We are often asked if dogs are welcome and we say yes BUT please ensure pups are on leashes and that they are comfortable in a group setting. Please ensure your pup will not be a danger to any participants. 

 

Donations: We are a Registered Charity and all monetary donations will cover the expenses of the Walk each year. Any leftover funds will go towards our NEW Annual Retreat AND to cover the costs of grief counselling (offered at no cost to our families). All donations will receive a thank you letter along with an Official Tax Receipt to all donors. We will also gather new Teddy Bears to be provided to newly bereaved families. Please review our website for the information on the types of bears accepted into the program. Link: https://www.babystepswalk.com/gift_baskets.

 

Volunteers Needed: We're looking for a couple of volunteers for the following tasks during the event on the 20th: writing names on the sidewalk (multiple volunteers needed), take down at the end of the event and photographers to take pictures thru the afternoon. If you are able to help out, please respond to my email and we'll chat in more detail. See the next line for volunteers who are needed prior to the event ....

 

Volunteer Gathering: We will be hosting a volunteer gathering at our office in Sherwood Park. Tasks include printing all the baby names, laminating and creating some other items for the day, then putting everything we need for the event in to our bins. If you have a bit of time and would like to help with these tasks, please respond to this email and I'll share the details. **Date to be announced.**

 

Covid Precautions: Please know that though this is an outdoor event, we will still take precautions to ensure that our guests are safe and exposure to Covid is limited as much as possible. If you are not well on August 20th, we ask you to not attend but do let us know so we can still honor your little one(s). Pictures of your baby's name(s) will be provided to you as requested. Masks are optional but most welcome. Hand sanitizer will be on our stage, on our registration table and any other available spot for all to use. 

 

​We recognize this event can be overwhelming and many emotions will be present. Know that we are onsite thru the afternoon on Sunday, August 20th, 2023 and are always available to offer comfort and support. Truly, this is a community that cares about each other so don't be afraid to ask if you need to chat.​