Newmarket
September 06, 2008 09:57 PM
Amanda Persico
You may be surprised to find out it takes about 21 million steps or 41,000 kilometres to walk around the world.
But for the anticipated 5,000 participants in the Steps for Southlake, My Steps Count program, that’s about three trips to the bathroom each day for the duration of the campaign. As a community, walking around the world is like a stroll in the park.
Starting Sept. 17, participants can collect pledges and make every step count, even if those steps are from the bathroom to the couch.
The campaign is to motivate people to be more active and raise funds for the Southlake regional cancer centre at the same time.
“Walking is part of an everyday process,” said Wayne Brakeboer, part of the My Steps Count committee.
“Health, healthy living and hospital all go together.”
For two months, participants can collect pledges and count their steps.
“With only one day, it becomes a one-time event,” Mr. Brakeboer said. “The other 364 days, we do nothing.”
Participants can pick up pedometers at any RBC branch in Newmarket, Aurora, Bradford, Georgina and East Gwillimbury to begin counting.
Once a week, walkers can upload their mileage on the Steps for Southlake website.
The goal is to raise $150,000 toward the general building fund for the cancer centre.
The best way to get the most mileage is through competition, said Kevin Murdoch, member of the My Steps Count committee.
“The cancer centre is a big deal,” he said.
“Who can walk the farthest? Mayors Phyllis (Morris) or Tony (Van Bynen)? Everyone, put on a pedometer and go. Every step counts.”
For more information, visit
www.mystepscount.com