In 2021 Cindy set the goal to walk across Canada. This is a distance of 4,473.3 kilometers or 2,779.58 miles from Victoria to Halifax as the crow flies! At the age of 65, Cindy wanted to push herself and not stay dormant during the time of Covid-19 lockdowns, and what better incentive than to make her journey into a fundraising event? You see, Cindy’s Mom, Winnifred, was a resident at Providence Care Centre. Winnifred had been living at Providence Care Centre for 3 years when Cindy set her challenge.
Cindy started her journey on January 1st, 2021. She used a treadmill, or walked outside, and tracked her steps with a fit bit.
Cindy knew the importance of keeping bodies active, especially when living in long term care. Our amazing Recreational and Occupational Therapy teams offer many different types of programs to support the dignity and independence of our residents. We are always in need of specialized mobility and enhancement equipment to support our residents. So, our goal was to help Cindy raise $10,000.00 so we could continue to encourage independence and enhance the quality of life of our residents!
When Cindy first set off on her daunting adventure, this was her message:
First I would like to thank everyone for their wonderful support on my venture. Hearing from you and receiving your very generous donations just spurs me on. I get so excited!!
A very special thank you to Kelly Lott and Audrey Clancy of the Father Lacombe Care Foundation and Society for all of the help they have given me in starting this fundraiser.
When people find out what I am doing I generally get asked two questions:
Where are you now?
At the end of February, I have walked 858 km (or 534 miles). This puts me just past Milk River, Alberta. Milk River is 70 km south of Lethbridge, and 16 km from the Canada – U.S. border. The U.S. border is between Alberta and Montana at Coutts, Alberta. So far I am ahead of my goal by 11 days.
All of this walking meant a new pair of runners was required. Runners need to be replaced every 724km (450 miles) to 885 km (550 miles). I’m going to need a few new pairs by the time I’m done!!
How do you do your walking and where?
Due to the weather in January and February most of my walking has been done in doors. I usually start with a 30 minute walk before breakfast. Then I typically walk 15 minutes of every hour until mid afternoon. A couple of times a week my husband and I will watch a movie matinee and I walk on the tread mill during the movie. It’s amazing how many steps you can get in while the oven preheats or waiting for the toaster to pop!! I like to get my walking done by supper time so after supper I can rest my tootsie toes for the next day!!
I’m looking forward to the warmer weather and the pathways clearing up so I can start doing more walking outside.
By the end of 2021, Cindy had completed her impressive goal of walking 2,779.58 miles, and raised an amazing $12,125.81!
The money Cindy raised helped us fund equipment and activities to keep our seniors happy and active, a cause we agree is worth Cindy’s commendable commitment. If you would like to help us continue to honour Cindy’s cause, visit the ‘Giving Options’ page on the menu above to find out how you can help!