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
'Too young to have breast cancer': Rates among young Canadian women rising
Breast cancer rates are rising in Canada among women in their 20s, 30s and 40s, according to research by the University of Ottawa (uOttawa).
Minister 'outraged' after AFN national chief's headdress taken from Air Canada cabin
The federal minister of Crown-Indigenous relations is calling on Air Canada to 'make things right' with the national chief of the Assembly of First Nations, who said her headdress was removed from an airplane cabin during a flight this week.
Sophie Gregoire Trudeau on navigating post-political life, co-parenting and freedom
Sophie Gregoire Trudeau says there is 'still so much love' between her and Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, as they navigate their post-separation relationship co-parenting their three children.
'I was scared': Ontario man's car repossessed after missing two repair loan payments
An Ontario man who took out a loan to pay for auto repairs said his car was repossessed after he missed two payments.
Charlie Woods, son of Tiger, shoots 81 in U.S. Open qualifier
Charlie Woods failed to advance in a U.S. Open local qualifying event Thursday, shooting a 9-over 81 at Legacy Golf & Tennis Club.
Canada recognizes housing as a human right. Few provinces have followed suit
As more Canadians find themselves struggling to afford or find housing, the country's smallest province is the only one that can point to legislation recognizing housing as a human right.
'Violation': CSIS had officer investigated after she reported a superior raped her
A CSIS officer's allegations that she was raped repeatedly by a superior in agency vehicles set off a harassment inquiry, but also triggered an investigation into her that concluded the alleged attacks were a “misuse” of agency vehicles by the woman.
What to know about avian influenza in dairy cows and the risk to humans
Why is H5N1, or bird flu, a concern, how does it spread, and is there a vaccine? Here are the answers to some frequently asked questions about avian influenza.
Pro-plastic lobbyist presence at UN talks is 'troubling,' say advocates
Environmentalist groups are sounding the alarm about a steep increase in the number of pro-plastic lobbyists at the UN pollution talks taking place this week.