Walking for a cause takes guts.
Crohn’s and Colitis Canada’s 25th annual Gutsy Walk will be taking place virtually this year on Aug. 23. Funds raised through the event are spent advancing research into cures for Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis.
“Because the walk has moved toward being a virtual event, we’ve added elements... allowing for people to track their steps through our website,” said Laura Malone, development co-ordinator for Crohn’s and Colitis Canada’s Ontario north chapter.
“We also have a 25-day countdown, and everyday on our website there is some sort of new challenge,” she said. “We’ve made it easier for people to participate any way they would like.”
Last year, roughly 100 people participated in the Simcoe County Gutsy Walk in Barrie, raising nearly $30,000 for the cause.
This year’s goal is $37,000, although there have been some setbacks when it comes to fundraising during a pandemic.
“Our registrations are down due to the pandemic. We recognize that people have their own financial challenges and priorities right now that may impact whether they can participate and fundraise this year,” said Malone. “It’s a challenging year.”
“We want people to know they’re still being supported through this, whether or not they can fundraise or come to Gutsy Walk. Our mandate doesn’t change. We want to support our patients, provide education and awareness,” she added.
The Gutsy Walk is the largest community event supporting the 270,000 Canadians who live with Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis. The volunteer-driven event is also Crohn’s and Colitis Canada’s largest research fundraiser with the funds raised invested into promising research focused on discovering causes, identifying new treatments, symptom management, and patient care.
To register to participate or for more information about the Gutsy Walk, click here.
