Alexander Leach, Editor
BEACHBURG – Russell Mackay started off his long walk to Ottawa from Beachburg on Monday, August 24th.
A crowd of onlookers gathered in front of the Beachburg Public School at 8am, where the blind, diabetic 82 year old and his family began their walk to raise money for CHEO.
Russell plans to walk from his home on Cameron Street, to the hospital in Ottawa, over the course of 10 days.
MMP John Yakabuski, and President and CEO of CHEO Kevin Keohane both attended the event, as did Art Jamieson with with the Beachburg Lions Club, and Mayor Mike Moore.
“We’ve all benefited one way or the other from CHEO.” Yakabuski said.
Kevin Keohane stressed the importance of such fundraising to CHEO and to his work.
“It brings me to communities like this where people do the most extraordinary things.” said Keohane.
“If you think you’re famous in Beachburg, just wait until you get to Ottawa.”
At the time he departed, Russell had already raised $21,000 of the $25,000 aimed for, beginning with $80 of their goal, according to Crystal Mackay.
Russell said that despite being blind, diabetic, and 82, he’s active and healthy due to working on a farm his whole life.
“When I got to the farm, I was active.” he said. “Then I got to Beachburg and then it was all gone.”
He said he sees this walk as a way to give back to CHEO for all its done for children with what he has to give.
“I’ve never seen a Brinks truck driving to the grave.” he joked.
The crowd shouted “Go, Papa, Go!” as Russell began his walk, surrounded by family and the rest of the community.
He plans to arrive in Ottawa on September 3rd.
