COURTNEY McCLURE, for The Standard
NORTH DURHAM: It’s time to clean off your running shoes and get ready for June 5th. Trish’s Wish foundation annual walkathon is happening a little differently this year.
This year, the walkathon will be virtual, because of Covid-19. Participants can walk, run, or ride their bikes around their neighbourhood.
The walkathon starts at 10 a.m. and ends at an unspecified time. Trish’s Wish Foundation asks participants to dress in pink and take lots of pictures of themselves walking, biking, or running. And don’t forget to share them on Trish’s Wish Facebook Page.
“I am very proud of how the community has helped us keep Trish’s wish alive,” said Shirley Eagleson, the president of Trish’s Wish Foundation. “With your donations, we can continue to help new and old clients.”
You can register online at www.trishswish.ca. Family and friends can sponsor participants by sending e-transfers to trishswish@hotmail.ca. Or they can mail a cheque to:
Trish’s Wish Foundation 53 Howard Ave. Lindsay ON K9V 2W1
In past years, Trish’s Wish Foundation has had over 60 participants at their annual walkathon. They encourage the community to get involved in participating in the walkathon or sponsoring a participant.
Trish’s Wish Foundation was formed after they hosted a walkathon for a young lady named Trish Peter. Trish’s family and friends, and the community of Little Britain, got together and organized a walkathon for Trish. Trish passed away from cancer in 2004.
Trish’s wish was for the foundation to carry on its annual walkathon to help people in need. According to Ms. Eagleson, the foundation was formed and registered as a charitable foundation.
Their mission statement is to help people between 17 and 25 years of age deal with serious illnesses or accidents. Their foundation helps young people living in the municipality of Kawartha Lakes.
The foundation began 18 years ago and has raised over 325 million for local families in need.
“Over 80 families have benefited, thanks to Corporate Sponsors and individual donations,” added Ms. Eagleson.
They also host other events, aside from their annual summer walkathon. These events include Ladies Night, which happens in the fall, the Spirit Run and Gold Tournaments held by their sponsors.