ESTEVAN - The Walk to Make Cystic Fibrosis History is making a return.
This year the fundraising event will take place in a mixed format with people, gathering at Rotary Hall for an in-person walk on May 29 and others joining virtually and doing the walk on their own.
"I am so pleased and excited to announce that the Estevan Walk to Make CF History is back. I can't wait to see everyone out and together again," said Kasey McIntyre, who is the co-ordinator for the local walk and who is also a captain of the McIntyre Family and Friends team every year.
The discussion of the format for the annual event began at the end of 2021. With restrictions lifted and the situation around COVID-19 changing, the organizers opted for having the walk in-person with an option to still do it more safely by joining virtually for those who prefer so.
"It's so important for us to get back to being in-person because that's how we get the message out there," McIntyre said.
The two- or four-kilometre walk will take place at Woodlawn Regional Park's campground with a start-finish point at Rotary Hall, where opening ceremonies will take place. Dogs are welcome, but they should be friendly with children since it is a family event, and they must always be on a leash.
Registrations already started coming in, and McIntyre hopes to see a lot of people out supporting the cause. She added that if anyone has a fundraiser idea for the walk, they can message her on the Walk to Make Cystic Fibrosis History Estevan Facebook page and she'll share their initiatives with the community to let others know about people fundraising to make cystic fibrosis history.
"I want to create more engagement with the community being the co-ordinator. So if anybody has questions or needs help with registering, I would be more than happy to help. Just reach out to me that way on messenger, and my phone number should be on the page somewhere too," McIntyre said.
There is no fee to register, but any donations will go towards the efforts to make CF history. People can collect donations or pledges with all kinds of payments accepted, or run fundraisers such as barbecues, ice cream sales or others ahead of the walk.
"Call your friends, family members and neighbours. Help bring our amazing community of supporters back together. Register today to help us go #FurtherTogether to lengthen and improve the lives of all Canadians living with CF," McIntyre said.
People can create a team or walk individually. To register for the Estevan Walk to Make Cystic Fibrosis History go to crowdchange.ca.
"If you do not want to register, please donate to a participant that has registered for our local walk," McIntyre added. "And I look forward to seeing you all again."
She added that the first 60 people that register will get a loot bag for their participation and fundraising efforts from the Walk to Make CF History Estevan. On the day of the walk, there will be a small breakfast snack before registered participants head out.
Other details such as the format of the opening ceremonies and following activities are to be decided yet.
Stay tuned for more details as they unfold by following the Walk to Make Cystic Fibrosis History Estevan Facebook page.
