By Melanie Jacob
Journal Editor
[email protected]
Their numbers may not have been as high as last year, but the heart was there for people participating in this year's Have a Heart Walk, Run, or Bike marathon.
Compared to last year's 140 participants, this year only saw 75 people show up. Nevertheless, among them this year for a second time in a row was a special group that was walking in memory of a beloved family member. There were 15 individuals ranging from eight years old to mid-sixties, and all of them were there to commemorate the memory of Marina Stroeder, who passed away in May of last year.
Stroeder was a retired nurse who practiced her entire career here in Humboldt. She was never married and never had any kids, so she was particularly close to her extended family.
"She was always a big part of our family and so we wanted to do something in her honour," said Susan Dunne, Stroeder's niece and the co-ordinator for getting everyone together for the walk. "We felt it was appropriate. She was an avid walker, loved scenery and birds, and always encouraged healthy and active living."
Dunne said the walk was their way of honouring her since the proceeds would go towards purchasing new hospital equipment. It's a five-year project for her, so they still plan to do it for another three years.
Despite the low attendance, the Humboldt District Hospital Foundation still managed to raise $13,000. Moreover, Olymel (formerly Big Sky Farms) promised to match every dollar they raised.
"This is one of the hospital foundation's signature events," said Lorrie Bunko, executive director for the hospital foundation. "We're proud because it promotes health, wellness, and encourages people to get in motion."
The weather may have been nippy out, but that was a good thing for marathoners, considering the long route they had to travel. They started at the Bella Vista Inn, passed the Prairie Agricultural Machinery Institute (PAMI), crossed Highway 5, and then went down Railway Avenue. Then they went up to Yuen's, passed Sixth Avenue Stylists, and went all the way back and crossed the highway to return to Bella Vista. Once the participants returned, the hotel had a courtesy breakfast waiting for them. The entire event was wrapped up by noon.
"It brings a whole bunch of people together from different areas, throughout the Humboldt district and beyond," said Bunko. "It's a huge part of our fundraising. $13,000 is a big amount to your bottom line."
