Winnipeggers travelled a third of the way to the moon last week to show how much can be accomplished when we come together as one community.
The third annual Walk This Way event aimed for a higher goal than ever before—challenging participants over six days toward a collective goal of 100,000 kilometres and a contribution of $100,000 from a group of generous local sponsors. On the morning of Sunday, September 11, thousands of Winnipeggers started off walking, riding, strolling, and rolling one kilometre at a time toward a seemingly impossible destination.
Throughout the week, participants supported each other in the event app and on social media with encouraging words, scenic photos, and pictures of eager canine companions.
From sun up to sundown, Walk This Way’ers shared stories and step counts, and with each 10,000-kilometre milestone reached, workplace teams and groups of friends and family members could see the impact of their efforts—creating an enthusiastic momentum toward the finish line.
On Thursday morning, the group crossed the 80,000 km mark—and with the 100,000-km achievement in sight, Winnipeggers passionate about doing their part to help their city pushed hard toward the goal. It only took until Thursday evening at 6:45 p.m.—more than 24 hours ahead of schedule—to cross the finish line and unlock $100,000 for our community.
By the time the clock struck midnight on Friday and the event officially ended, 4,945 Walk This Way’ers had traveled a grand total of 135,868 kilometres.
How far is 135,868 kilometres? It’s an astronomical distance—equivalent to more than one third the distance to the moon.
That incredible number is a new record for the event and a testament to the dedication of Winnipeggers to do whatever it takes to help each other in times of need.
From sunup to sundown, Walk This Way’ers shared stories and step counts, and with each 10,000-kilometre milestone reached, workplace teams and groups of friends and family members could see the impact of their efforts—creating an enthusiastic momentum toward the finish line.
On Thursday morning, the group crossed the 80,000 km mark—and with the 100,000-km achievement in sight, Winnipeggers passionate about doing their part to help their city pushed hard toward the goal. It only took until Thursday evening at 6:45 p.m.—more than 24 hours ahead of schedule—to cross the finish line and unlock $100,000 for our community.
By the time the clock struck midnight on Friday and the event officially ended, 4,945 Walk This Way’ers had traveled a grand total of 135,868 kilometres.
How far is 135,868 kilometres? It’s an astronomical distance—equivalent to more than one third the distance to the moon.
That incredible number is a new record for the event and a testament to the dedication of Winnipeggers to do whatever it takes to help each other in times of need.
“Stress is high. Money is tight. The future is still uncertain. Working together in a united way means we see ourselves as one community— and by helping one, we help us all.”
2022 volunteer Campaign Chair Dayna Spiring said she was blown away—but not surprised—by the overwhelming response.
“Reaching our goal proved to me that Winnipeggers are willing to do whatever it takes to make sure this city is the best it can be for everyone that lives here,” Spiring told a crowd of hundreds gathered at The MET for the official United Way Winnipeg 2022 campaign kickoff on Friday.
“It showed me how important it is that we all have something to hold on to when times get tough—and that we all play a role in making that happen for each other.”
On Friday, The MET played host to hundreds of United Way Winnipeg supporters who gathered for the first time in three years to celebrate the start of the 2022 fundraising campaign.
Spiring urged everyone in the room to harness the incredible energy of Walk This Way to work united for the rest of the year.
“Working together in a united way means we see ourselves as one community — and by helping one, we help us all,” she said.
“Working united means creating lifelines for people and families who are being pushed closer to the edge than ever before. Stress is high. Money is tight. The future is still uncertain.”
