THUNDER BAY – On June 25th, Stanley Barkman from Sachigo Lake First Nation, ON will have walked 2080 kilometers from Sioux Lookout Ontario to Fort McMurray Alberta. His goal has been to raise awareness and raise funds for those affected by the Fort McMurray devastating wildfire.
Stanley Barkman started his journey on May 9th 2016, and was joined shortly thereafter by David Barkman and Nathan Walmsley joined them in Regina.
On June 25th, a welcoming to Fort McMurray event will take place at 2pm MDT at the Oil Sands Discovery Centre.
The following day on June 26th, a Meet and Greet celebration event will be held at Jubilee Plaza in downtown Fort McMurray from 12 PM to 3 PM. BBQ lunch will be provided along with Traditional celebrations and a chance to meet the Walking to Fort McMurray team.
These events are hosted and organized by The Athabasca Tribal Council, McMurray Metis, Nistawoyou Friendship Centre and the Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo. The general public and media are invited to participate in these celebrations
Stanley said that he was determined to do this walk, “To help rebuild Fort McMurray and surrounding communities”. If he can help even one or two families or even rebuild a hospital, then this journey will be worth it.
Stanley stated, “No one deserves to lose their home, neighborhood or even their town from this devastating wild fire.”
Over the course of their journey, the outpouring of love and support has been overwhelming. People stopped to wish him well, others offered new running shoes, accommodations, food, drinks, gas and many made donations in person.
The Walkers have inspired tens of thousands of people across Canada with their determination, and focus on this journey.
On Friday May 13th, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau contacted Stanley through a FaceTime call as a sign of support and to acknowledge what he is doing to help Fort McMurray.
The success of the journey continues to be dependent entirely upon financial support of corporations, organizations and the general public. Stanley said “We have been fortunate during the walk to have support from so many people, organizations and thanks to our corporate sponsors North Star Air, Uniform Pros, Impact Promotions and NetNewsLedger for helping to make this possible.
Special thanks to the People, Grand Chief Steve Courtoreille, The Athabasca Tribal Council, McMurray Metis, Nistawoyou Friendship Centre and the Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo for hosting and organizing the welcoming celebrations in Fort McMurray.”
The Walking for Fort McMurray Facebook group went viral with over 24,000 members since he started this journey and with an overwhelming amount of engagement. For more information, feel free to join their Facebook group facebook.com/groups/WalkingforFortMcMurray
Interview with Stanley Barkman in Winnipeg
How to Donate:
Go Fund Me donations. www.gofundme.com/Walk4FortMcMurray
You can also make a bank deposit donation to the following
Visit your CIBC branch and reference the following information to make you bank deposit donation.
Transit # – 00387
Account # – 5459435
Name of Account Holder: L. Barkman
Walking for Fort McMurray – Official T-Shirts for sale.
Donate with an Online T-Shirt Purchase – a percentage of proceeds of sales go to Walking for Fort McMurray.
Buy online at www.uniformpros.ca
Every donation big or small makes a difference.
In order for us to acknowledge your donation, please email us at WalkingForFortMcMurray@gmail.com to let us know that you have made a bank deposit donation.
You can also e-money transfer to barkmanr@yahoo.ca – make the password walking.
