Organizers for the annual Gutsy Walk in Sudbury aren't going to let a little pandemic slow them down. The annual event, which raises funds for research in support of Crohn's and Colitis Canada, is happening on Sunday August 23, 2020 in Greater Sudbury and indeed across the country.
Organizer Sarah Bouchard said this is the 25th anniversary walk but because of the pandemic, all friends and supporters are being asked to stay within their social circles for obvious safety reasons.
"Yes, we're still fundraising like we did in the past but we're encouraging our participants to walk within their social circles. So it looks a little bit different this year, but it still matters to us because it's our 25 anniversary," said Bouchard.
She said the whole purpose of the exercise is to help spread awareness about the cause, explain how Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) impacts patients and their families, and talk about the local fundraising efforts.
Bouchard said it takes guts to get out and walk in support of the 270,000 Canadians who struggle to cope with bowel disease and also to provide financial support for research and support for patients and their families.
She said supporters can sign up through the national web page which has a direct connection to Sudbury and they can pick a team to support, click on that team and go into the page to make a donation.
Bouchard said the goals are set on the success of previous years and added she is counting on the generosity of city residents
"We recognize it is still important to aim for those goals because we have ongoing funding for research projects," said Bouchard. She said gutsy walkers can get out next Sunday to do their annual walk wherever and however they like.
