Counting steps to help Sudbury seniors
Since 2016, Lasalle Secondary School and Finlandia Village retirement community in Sudbury have partnered to get both youth and seniors moving all while raising important funds. This year instead of having the 5th annual SISU family walk from the high school to the retirement community, event organizers decided to put on a walkathon that will see students trek around Australia virtually.
"It worked into hitting a target of hitting 10,000 steps for everybody, and so the shift from doing the walk to Finlandia where we had people on a day. Now we’re looking at getting habits into people, not just one day, now it’s a lifestyle change,” Matt Cootes, a teacher at the participating Sudbury high school.
This year’s goal is to raise more than $10,000 to support a greenhouse at Finlandia Village to cultivate food and herbs for the residents. Some 550 competitors hope to accumulate 14 million steps by Nov. 5. Participants will monitor their progress using pedometers provided by event partner Sling Choker Manufacturing.
"At Lasalle Secondary School, we are committed to promoting lifelong health and wellness for all," says Principal Maureen McNamara. "We also take pride in supporting our seniors, sustainability and the community in which we live. We invite the public to join our students and staff as we journey around Australia and raise funds to enhance the quality of life for residents at Finlandia Village."
The steps don’t just have to come from walking, participants can do whatever they want as long as they get their bodies moving.
"Doesn’t matter what kind of event it is, it could be a sport, it could be just walking, it could be recreational, doesn’t matter just as fun and just to participate and help out the community," said Grade 10 student Zidain Allen.
In previous years, the event has supported the development of walking trails throughout the retirement community and contributed funds towards the gym.
Learn more here
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
BREAKING Israel attacks Iran, Reuters sources say; drones reported over Isfahan
Israel has attacked Iran, three people familiar with the matter told Reuters, as Iranian state media reported early on Friday that its forces had destroyed drones, days after Iran launched a retaliatory drone strike on Israel.
American millionaire Jonathan Lehrer denied bail after being charged with killing Canadian couple
American millionaire Jonathan Lehrer, one of two men charged in the killings of a Canadian couple in Dominica, has been denied bail.
Nearly half of China's major cities are sinking, researchers say
Nearly half of China's major cities are suffering 'moderate to severe' levels of subsidence, putting millions at risk of flooding especially as sea levels rise.
Prince Harry formally confirms he is now a U.S. resident
Prince Harry, the son of King Charles III and fifth in line to the British throne, has formally confirmed he is now a U.S. resident.
Judge says 'no evidence fully supports' murder case against Umar Zameer as jury starts deliberations
The judge presiding over the trial of a man accused of fatally running over a Toronto police officer is telling jurors the possible verdicts they may reach based on the evidence in the case.
Health Canada to change sperm donor screening rules for men who have sex with men
Health Canada will change its longstanding policy restricting gay and bisexual men from donating to sperm banks in Canada, CTV News has learned. The federal health agency has adopted a revised directive removing the ban on gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men, effective May 8.
Colin Jost names one celebrity who is great at hosting 'Saturday Night Live'
Colin Jost, who co-anchors Saturday Night Live's 'Weekend Update,' revealed who he thinks is one of the best hosts on the show.
Sports columnist apologizes for 'oafish' comments directed at Caitlin Clark. The controversy isn't over
A male columnist has apologized for a cringeworthy moment during former University of Iowa superstar and college basketball's highest scorer Caitlin Clark's first news conference as an Indiana Fever player.
'Shopaholic' author Sophie Kinsella reveals brain cancer diagnosis
Sophie Kinsella, the best-selling author behind the 'Shopaholic' book series, has revealed that she is receiving treatment for brain cancer.