February 22, 2020

COLDEST NIGHT WALK WARM, SUNNY — LIKE THE WALKERS

Mark Clairmont | MuskokaTODAY.com

GRAVENHURST — It was a great night for walkers tonight.

Warm and sunny.

And the temperature was nice, too.

Close to 200 kids, adults, families and volunteers joined the 33 teams on the Coldest Night of the Year fundraising walk downtown for GAP.

As of walk time they had pledges of more than $44,000 — which is 88 per cent on the way to their goal of $50,000.

With many people still donating, but unable to walk, the goal should easily be met.

And by the smiles on everyone’s faces as they trekked from the Terry Fox Auditorium at the arena along the three routes (2 km, 5 km or 10 km) to the post office, McDonalds or somewhere in between, it was a big success.

Thanks to more than 70 volunteers who set up pre- and post-walk festivities at the Graeme Murray Arena, where they kicked off at 5 p.m.

Among them was the Moody family, Alisha Moody and her mom and dad, Ashley and Rob Moody, owners of Iron Lodge Fitness on Margaret Street at the south end of town.

It was their first walk and they were thoroughly enjoying.

Alisha was so enthused that she wanted to walk the whole route.

Her mom, too, was game — considering she’s 37 weeks pregnant and due to give birth in three more weeks.

They were just one of the dozens of families who walked south on the east side of Muskoka Road and returned on the west side of the main street.

With many people still donating, but unable to walk, the goal should easily be met.

Final totals should be in early this week.

Log on to MuskokaTODAY.com for details.

See 4 videos below of the Moodys and some of the other walkers.