Firefighters representing all Sunshine Coast departments will be taking part in a two-stage relay walk covering close to the full length of the region on Sunday, Sept. 26. The 80-kilometre walk is being done to raise funds for and awareness of the work of Muscular Dystrophy Canada.
The “Mayday for MD” event is scheduled to start on Highway 101 near Earls Cove and at the top of the Gibsons bypass at about 8:30 a.m. It will end about nine hours later with participants from the north and south Coast legs meeting up at the Halfmoon Bay fire hall.
Halfmoon Bay Fire Chief Ryan Daley, who is part of the planning group for the event, told Coast Reporter that each of the 42 relay intervals will take participants about 30 minutes to complete. They will be walked by either single or groups of firefighters in their turnout gear, with pilot and chase vehicles in front of and behind the groups to alert oncoming traffic and provide support to the walkers. Daley estimates that about 60 local fire department members will be taking part.
The relay route stays mainly to the highway with detours to rally points at three local fire halls along the way. Those rally points will offer safe spaces for the public to be part of the event, witness relay exchanges and make cash donations that will be collected in “the firefighter’s boot.” The estimated arrival time at the Gibsons fire hall is 9 a.m. Arrival time at the Roberts Creek fire hall is slated for noon, and walkers will reach the Pender Harbour fire hall in Madeira Park at about 2 p.m. Relay walkers are scheduled to be on the downtown Sechelt leg of the walk at about 2:30 p.m.
Donations can be dropped off at any Coast fire hall during the event. The vehicle that will follow each walking group will also be accepting donations. Organizers are encouraging the public to show their support by cheering on the walkers and donating en route, while remaining safely off roads and respecting COVID-19 protocols.
Coast fire departments have been raising funds for Muscular Dystrophy Canada for over 20 years, by hosting “boot drives” throughout the community, Daley said. Due to COVID-19 concerns, firefighters had to cancel large public gatherings for “Fill the Boot” efforts this year.
Muscular dystrophy is a term used to describe a group of over 160 different neuromuscular disorders. The condition is characterized by progressive deterioration of muscle strength and can impact people of all ages. Its causes, symptoms, severity and progression vary depending on the individual. Muscular Dystrophy Canada works to enhance the lives of those impacted with neuromuscular disorders by providing ongoing support and resources while searching for a cure.
