Every year, each Sienna Seniors Living long-term care centre raises funds through events that include community barbecues and carnivals, then chooses a local charity that will receive the money raised.
This year, Bradford Valley Care Community chose Matthews House Hospice in Alliston as its charity of choice, and, for the first time, held a fundraising walkathon which took place on Tuesday morning.
With so many of the participants using a walker or wheelchair, a long walk wasn’t part of the plan. Instead, those who were able walked or ran around the block, while others went only as far as the entrance to the parking lot before turning around and heading back.
But every participant got into the spirit of the event, gathering pledges to raise money for Matthews House, and cheering and waving as they set out on the walk.
“Our Residents’ Council is going to match the funds,” said Kathy Wheeler, Director of Resident Programs and Admission, who, with other staff members, donned an orange T-shirt to join in the walkathon.
Residents’ Council President Brenda Laur also came out to cheer on the walkers.
“If they can raise $500, we’ll match ‘em. If they can’t, we get off easy,” she said. “It’s a good cause.”
After the walk, participants were joined by other residents in the Courtyard Café, where they enjoyed a fundraising barbecue and live entertainment by singer Vivianna Castell.
Castell took them all on different kind of journey – this time down memory lane with a medley of Golden Oldies.
Matthews House Hospice participated in the event, sending the Hospice’s Honda to lead the walkathon and setting up a display to provide information on the hospice’s services and resources, outreach programs, and community engagement.
