They’re off and walking this Saturday to raise funds for area hospitals, and walkers will not even necessarily have to endure sore feet to accomplish that.
Hope Robertson came to Minto Council on Oct. 4 to promote the third annual Heels for Hospitals that will take place in Clifford on Oct. 15.
Robertson said the organizers wanted to try something out of the ordinary and so came up with a walk-a-thon wearing high heels. Getting sponsors and raising money is what the event is all about, even though people can expect the unusual along the route.
Robertson told council a doctor from Mapleton has promised to walk it in complete drag – if $1,000 was raised for his efforts. She said that money is already pledged.
She explained the walk is falling on the 10th anniversary of the CKNX Wingham radio station’s annual fundraiser for hospitals, has been running since 2002, and parts of Wellington County in the north have always supported that event, too. There are 15 hospitals within the CKNX signal, and people take part in that marathon to raise cash for the hospital of their choice.
Since 2002 the CKNX Health Care Heroes Radiothon has helped raise over $6 million for local hospital foundations through the donations of people and businesses in midwestern Ontario.
Robertson said of the Clifford Heels for Hospitals event, “We’d like to raise more money than ever before.” She added the previous two walks raised $9,000.
“You don’t have to walk in high heels if you don’t want to,” she said with a smile.
Mayor George Bridge promised, “I’ll be there.”
Councillor Ron Elliott said it was unfortunate, but he cannot make the event this year.
Robertson said they can download pledge forms at wightman.ca.
The event starts at 10am at the Rotary Park in Clifford.
