KAGAWONG—The organizers of the fifth annual ‘Stroll for Liver’ event held in Kagawong are hopeful that members of the public will again support them in this year’s fundraising campaign. The Stroll for Liver event is a fundraising event for the Canadian Liver Foundation (CLF).
Wayne Aelick, who along with wife Anna spearhead the Stroll for Liver event each year, knows the importance of having a healthy liver after having gone through a liver transplant in 2017.
The Stroll for Liver fundraising event is taking place in Kagawong on Sunday, June 9. Walkers will begin their five-kilometre stroll at 11 am from the Park Centre and continue through the picturesque village of Kagawong.
Mr. Aelick explained, “We have raised less than we had hoped to going into the stroll event. We have raised around $10,000 in funds with well over half of that amount being on the bird and bat houses that we make and have sold so far this year.”
“Our fundraising goal for this year is $25,000 and so far we are not even halfway to that amount,” said Mr. Aelick, noting he understands how difficult it is for everyone these days to donate toward any cause, with the economy being the way it is and costs for necessities like food, housing and transportation being so high.
“Whatever people can afford to donate, or join in the walk, would be very much appreciated,” said Mr. Aelick.
In 2020, the local Stroll for Liver fundraising event raised $4,571, $15,503 in 2021, $18,758 in 2022 and last year’s (highest total yet), $24,037.
“Some of the proceeds that we make from the sale of bird and bat houses goes toward buying things like nails and glue. Most of the other materials like the wood is mostly made up through donations,” continued Mr. Aelick. “And whenever we attend a market to sell the bird/bat houses we pay the costs of a vendors table,” he said noting they attend several different markets each summer. He explained as well that Andrew Orr and Orr’s Valu-Mart in Little Current will be holding a fundraising barbecue for Stroll for Liver on June 15.
“All the funds we raise goes to the Canadian Liver Foundation for research and education,” added Mr. Aelick.
If you wish to join Team Aelick or make a donation to support the CLF on behalf of Team Aelick, you can do so online at: Stroll for Liver 2024, or via cheque payable to Canadian Liver Foundation and mail to: Anna and Wayne Aelick, 30 Maple Drive, Kagawong, ON POP IJO or send an electronic funds transfer to: awaelick@ hotmail.com Donations of $20 and over will receive a tax receipt from CLF.
