Walk raises money for dyslexic children

BREWER – Twenty-five walkers enjoyed gorgeous fall weather Sunday as they took part in the first Eastern Maine Walk to Help Dyslexic Children.

The event, one of about 40 taking place along the East Coast this month, raised money to help teach children suffering from dyslexia to read and write.

Dyslexia is an inherited neurological disorder that affects the way people learn to read and speak as well as how they process things mathematically. About one in five children suffers from dyslexia, but it is a treatable condition.

The walkers started at Brewer High School and continued down Parkway South, eventually looping back to complete a 3.1-mile trek.

Richard Kinship, who helped organize the event, said Sunday that the turnout was good, but since it was only the first year of the walk, he predicted next year would have an even better turnout.

“We have a great crew all ready to go,” he said. “We needed people who know the connections and could help us get some publicity, and we have that now.”

Kinship didn’t know how much money was raised on Sunday, but whatever donations were received will go to the Masonic Learning Center for Children on Harlow Street in Bangor – part of a national project to help dyslexic children regardless of race, religion or economic status.