Even more so, it was a day of celebration, awareness, fundraising, memories, tears, laughter and hope.
Tim Lozon, Manager of Corporate Affairs for Bell Alliant echoes those sentiments. “We had a wonderful day. It was raining like crazy when we started but it turned out to be a nice afternoon.”
In its five previous years, the most funds raised at the Chatham-Kent version of the Walk For Kids Help Phone was $4,500.
This year, supporters and walkers broke down and demolished all barriers and records with a total of $13,500 raised (with more pledges still coming in!)
“For only our fifth year, that total is just outstanding,” says Lozon, touched and deeply grateful for the growing support to this cause which has become very close to his own heart.
Attendance at the annual walk continues to rise annually, much to the delight of the organizing committee.
A team organized by friends of Caleb Smith (who passed in March) led the way this year. Despite forming a team with just over a week left until the walk, the Memories of Caleb team, consisting of family members and many young friends, were this year’s top fundraisers.
“This couldn’t happen without the committee, our sponsors or our volunteers. It was just an awesome day,” continued Lozon. “And we can’t thank all of our walkers and everyone who pledges enough. At the end of the day, they’re the ones who make it happen for us!”
With corporate assistance from Tim Hortons, Boston Pizza, BMO and many others, the Walk For Kids Help Phone assists children who need someone to turn to at a time of need.
“Each voice on the other end of the phone line is a trained professional who can help kids deal with issues from bullying, suicide, and drugs to name a few of the teen and child issues that exist today. This walk helps generate the money needed to continue the operation,” explains Lozon.
Phil Winch the Manager of Community Fundraising and Corporate Developement for the Kids Help Phone says “the walk is our most important and largest fundraising event at Kids Help Phone so its success is a big part of determining how well we can address the many needs kids have, and many of them changing with technology and society. This will help us ensure we can be there 24/7 with professional, confidential and anonymous support.”
Kids Help Phone helped kids in need from almost 3,000 communities more than 2.2 million times on the phone and online. The age of ‘clients’ ranges from five to 20 years old.
For more information you can go to www.kidshelpphone.ca
In a time of need, kids can call 1-800-668-6868.