Written By Olena Riznyk
AILSA CRAIG – Walkers arrived at Craigwiel Gardens on October 25 for the final stage of Walk the Kindness Way, a fundraiser held on separate days in Cambridge, Waterloo and Ailsa Craig.
The event drew more than 60 walkers and more than 20 sponsors, raising more than $55,000 toward a $60,000 goal across the three communities. This was the first year Ailsa Craig joined the event.
Participants could choose shorter routes, walk on one or more days, or complete approximately 60 kilometres over three days. On Sunday, walkers could choose the full 19.4-kilometre route from the Church at Nairn to Craigwiel Gardens or one of two shorter sections of about 10 kilometres each.
Elaine Shantz, president and CEO of Fairview Parkwood Craigwiel Communities, said the event began as a marathon-length walk at the Cambridge and Waterloo campuses. Craigwiel’s participation added another day.
The walkers included frontline staff, families, board members, service providers and community supporters. Shantz said some participants completed all 60 kilometres over three days, including a few 15-year-olds. “It’s partnership at its best. We all come together,” she said. “We try to find ways to encourage our team members, our residents, our families to be kind in all things,” Shantz said.
The money will support Spread Kindness projects at all three campuses. Cambridge and Waterloo already have healing gardens. At Craigwiel, plans include walking paths, gardens and seating areas where residents and families can spend time outdoors. Shantz said the goal is to create “outdoor spaces where people can nurture their mind, body, and spirit.”
Representatives hope to begin work on the first path next spring, once demolition of the former building is complete. The project is expected to develop over several years.
Craigwiel’s new 96-bed long-term care home opened in September. A local fundraising committee raised more than $1.25 million during the pandemic to help make the building possible. Craigwiel also operates seniors’ apartments and an adult day program.
Heather Congdon, executive director of Fairview Mennonite Home in Cambridge, explained why she returns to the fundraiser each year. “I participate in the walk every year to raise money for our great organization so that we can do more as a non-profit for our seniors,” she said.
At the finish, walkers received bronze, silver or gold medals recognizing one, two or three days of walking.
Shantz said organizers had not known how the community would respond to the new event, but people embraced it and contributed. “There’s an incredible sense of gratitude and also humility of how this community comes together to support this wonderful cause,” she said.
