When it comes to raising funds for community organizations, it’s common to see various walks and runs take part throughout the spring and summer, bringing support to plenty of local charities.
But one event has taken a different approach to the usual idea of making your way around a few laps of a track or trail.
The second annual Ruck it Up fundraiser hit the Wakamow Valley paths and walkways on Saturday morning, with close to 70 participants donning backpacks of various weights and sizes before heading out for a scenic hike on a beautiful day.
And all for a good cause, too, with all proceeds from the event going to Journey to Hope’s suicide awareness and prevention programs.
“It’s looking really good,” said event organizer Brett Hagan as participants prepared for their trek at the pavilion across from the former Burger Cabin. “Last year we had 66 people show up, now we have 60 signed up and there were about 10 or 15 late entries, so that’s nice to see, and we’re happy that the weather turned out really good as well.”
Beyond offering something a little bit different, the idea behind Ruck It Up is to get some exercise while enjoying the outdoors -- and it proves timely as a late-spring event, with folks looking to get a bit of sun after the long winter months. Ruckers carried everything from standard book backpacks to full-on military kits weighing 50-pounds plus.
“It’s a simple one, too,” said Hagan, who put Ruck It Up together alongside Tyler Simpson and Chris Robart. “It’s between a walk and a run, you just have the backpack on for that extra bit of weight and it helps out on the physical aspect side, but also getting outside like this is beneficial for mental health.”
That’s also a major component of Journey to Hope, which aims to help with mental health as part of its ongoing quest to assist with suicide prevention.
“Journey to Hope does so many wonderful things in this community,” Hagan said. “[Suicide] has hit a few us, including myself personally with a few friends and other people. So anything that can help bring awareness helps, and after the last couple of years, it’s needed.”
The fundraising aspect has also proven successful, having raised $7,500 last year, with a similar total expected this time around.
“It’s definitely a lot of work, but it’s all worth it,” Hagan said. “The community has come through with donations so we could have a penny parade from a bunch of local businesses and that was really appreciated... It’s just another way to throw in a little bit extra money and raise some extra funds.”
Ruck It Up even received a special boost from William Grayson teacher Bart Mihalicz, who cut his flowing mane after students in his Grades 7-8 class raised $500 to donate to the event.
“It’s just great to see this kind of support from everyone and we’re looking forward to a great day,” Hagan said.
