Still Time to Get Walking
THUNDER BAY – Tomorrow (Sun, July 17) marks the first-ever Bombardier Charity Walk being held at the Staal Foundation Open, presented by Tbaytel. I sat down with Andrew Petrick, Community Events Intern at the Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Foundation to find out what it’s all about.
Q: Andrew, this is the first time there’s been a charity walk held at the Staal Foundation Open. I’m sure people have a lot of questions – so what can they expect?
A: It’s shaping up to be a fantastic afternoon. Once people check in near the putting green, we’re going to have a haul-a-ball contest and then get set for our scenic 3 km walk through the beautiful grounds out at Whitewater. Once the final pairing tees off on 18, we’ll follow them up the fairway for front row seats to the conclusion of the tournament, and the closing ceremonies. The walk itself will begin about 4 p.m., but everyone should check-in by between 2:00 – 3:15 pm so we’re set to go. Also, if people want to come earlier on Sunday, they can enjoy all the excitement of the tournament prior to the walk – their registration will automatically provide entrance to the Staal Foundation Open that day.
Q: What types of activities are available prior to the walk?
A: The Staal Foundation Open organizers have set up an incredible area right near the clubhouse. The Live Better by Janzen’s Interactive Zone has loads of fun like a bouncy castle, obstacle course, face painting, a climbing wall, SNAG golf, a henna tattoo station, kids fishing pond and much more. It’s an awesome place to bring the family. All it’s all free with registration (kids under 14 are already free).
Q: Who can participate?
A: Everyone’s welcome! This is a very family-friendly event. You will need to be able to walk the 3 km of the route, but the pace will be relaxed.
Q: How can people register?
A: Right now they can go online to www.healthsciencesfoundation.ca/charitywalk and sign up there. But if they are out on Sunday at the tournament, we will happily register them on site there too. Just come see us set up near the putting green.
Q: What’s the cost?
A: Registration is $20 but kids under 14 are free.
Q: I see on the site that people can raise pledges? Explain to me how that works.
A: Yes! We are definitely encouraging people to raise pledges. Those who raise over $100 will be automatically entered to win 2 tickets anywhere WestJet flies! Once you’ve registered online at healthsciencesfoundation.ca/charity walk you can set up an online page to raise your pledges. It’s very simple.
Q: Where are the funds raised from this event going?
A: 100% of the proceeds are going to the Northern Cancer Fund of the Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Foundation. These funds are used to purchase exceptional cancer care equipment, so that we can provide incredible HOPE to patients and their families who are facing a cancer diagnosis. Importantly, all the money stays local so that we don’t have to travel outside Northwestern Ontario for care that’s comparable to anywhere in the world.
Q: Anything else we should know Andrew?
A: I can’t wait to see everyone out on the course tomorrow. We’re very excited about this event and I’d like to especially thank our presenting sponsor, Bombardier, for their support in making this happen. I’d also like to thank the Thunder Bay Kings for lending their support through their ‘Kings Fight Cancer Campaign’ by having some of their players and families participate. When we work together as a community, we can do great things for our cancer centre.
Join us tomorrow for the first-ever Bombardier Charity Walk in support of the Northern Cancer Fund. Register at healthsciencesfoundation.ca/charitywalk for just $20/person (kids under 14 free). Enjoy all that the Staal Foundation Open has to offer with your registration!
