People have different reasons for tackling the annual Great Walk from Gold River to Tahsis.
Most of the runners or walkers, however, take on this gruelling 63.5 kilometre challenge in aid of their favorite charity group. Campbell River's Dave Baker is no exception, although people might find his organization of choice to donate funds to following the June 6 event a little hairy.
Baker, doing the walk for a fifth time, felt people take their sight for granted. Upon doing some investigation he found out a guide dog for the visually impaired costs approximately $25,000 to train.
Being a dog lover himself he decided to begin raising money for B.C. Guide Dogs.
"I was looking for something that fit in with what we're doing," the retired firefighter said. "Plus they don't get as much publicity as other campaigns, so I thought this was a good way to help."
Baker, who trains by walking to McIvor Lake and back, said at some point he'd like to take a visually impaired person with him on the walk.
Lain Patterson, 56, will walk for the Campbell River Food Bank, and has been doing training walks in the neighbourhood of 30 miles.
"I was hoping to get the old boys award, but I hear there's someone in their 90's entered," he said with a laugh.
The Great Walk raised $75,000 last year and drew close to 800 entries. It begins at 4 a.m. outside Gold River and can last between eight and 16 hours, depending on the participant's fitness level and whether they walk or run the hilly, winding course. For sponsor or registration info, call Jo Ann Grsic at 250-934-6570.
Note: This year call Betty Ganyo at the above number for info.
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