ESHF LifeWalk returns for 2021
June 2, 2021
The Erie Shores Health Foundation Lifewalk will take place on June 27 this year, with some noticeable changes from last year’s virtual event.
Foundation staff member, Gloria Cavenago, is happy to report that this year’s Lifewalk will be an in-person combined event with a walk or run course, along with a half marathon.
“I’m super excited,” she said. “This will help join our communities together. People are now more than ever looking to be part of something.”
Cavenago says that she wants to encourage community members to not only participate but also collect pledges.
The Breast Cancer “Walk for a Cure” was her inspiration because she loved how it connected the neighbourhoods. Regardless if you were walking, the communities came together to support the participants by cheering them on and thanking them for raising funds. It was a life-changing experience.
Tom Omstead, the event chair, says they’ve been innovative in planning this year’s event.
“We’re calling it a bubble-wrapped event,” he said. “Start times are staggered, but you can run or walk with people in your bubble.”
They are currently booking people for staggered start times, but as Omstead explains, parents and kids, or anyone else within their bubble, could start together.
“We’ve got lots of protocols and rules in place to keep everyone safely distanced,” he said.
Of course, the Lifewalk is an important fundraiser for The Hospice Erie Shores Campus and last year’s event — while done virtually — raised over $35,000.
Omstead says they have already exceeded their initial goal thanks to the generous support from the sponsors who have partnered with them so far. They have now set a new goal and welcome any business who would like to donate to please contact Gloria Cavenago.
“We know how events motivate people to be active, which is essential for healthy living,” he said. “Since so many events have been cancelled, we’ve been involved in helping put together an event that’s tailored to be COVID-friendly, with staggered start times and following all health guidelines.”
This event will be several events in one — a leisurely walk for all fitness levels and a timed 5K and half marathon run for the more competitive participants. A memory wall will also be available for those who want to dedicate their participation to someone they love.
Cavenago says the committee has been working
extremely hard to put together a safe and fun event. “Everyone is taking this event very seriously and we look forward to adding the 25K Slow Roll biking component back in as well as the Family Stroll next year,” she said. Committee members include: Karen Archer, Deborah Bonfiglio, Tim Bunn, Amanda Everaert, Ava Gossen, Brian Hillman, Connie Hillman, Chad Jeffery, Karey Lewis, Shannon Matheson, Kenny Paglione and Erin Squance.
Omstead and Cavenago are encouraging families to sign up and participate and get outdoors for some fresh air, all the while helping to raise funds for a very worthy cause.
CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT THIS EVENT
