Tenth Kirstin’s Walk for Kids taking place June 14

Walk reaches goal of a decade of fundraising for kids and remembering Kirstin Rae Sutherland

Kirstin’s Walk for Kids is celebrating a major milestone as they’ve reached their tenth anniversary fundraising for causes that support children in Selkirk and the surrounding area. 

“Kirstin’s Walk is a family-friendly walk. It’s held in memory of Kirstin (Rae Sutherland), who was killed tragically in a car accident at the age of 27 in 2014, and the walk started to honour Kirstin’s memory and raise funds for the Kirstin’s Walk for Kids Endowment Fund, which is managed by the Selkirk and District Community Foundation, and all funds raised go to projects that benefit young children,” said Laurie Sutherland, one of the walks founders and Kirstin’s mom. 

Sutherland explained that Kirstin was always someone who enjoyed caring for children. She loved taking care of her younger sister and cousins when she was younger, and she went on to obtain her Early Childhood Educator certificate from Red River College in adulthood. From there, she worked in local daycares in our area. 

“Meeting Kirstin was a special experience, and she was a very generous girl with her time and her love for people and for children, and she was a happy person, and she was a delight just to be around,” said Sutherland. 

To honour Kirstin’s dedication to caring for the next generation as well as commemorate a life taken from us too soon, Kirstin’s family took on the task of hosting an annual walk and setting up the fund, which will contribute to young people in the area in perpetuity. 

Sutherland said that the fund has already been contributing to our community with donations being made primarily to local daycares to help them get toys and larger structures, like a gazebo set up, so that the kids have more options to relax and play. 

Sutherland expects that if Kirstin was with us now, she would be surprised by the good that’s been done. 

“I think mostly she would be very honoured and pleasantly surprised that anything of this magnitude or of this sort would be taking place,” said Sutherland. 

Sutherland expects this to be the final Kirstin’s Walk as their goal was to reach the ten year mark, but she is sad to see the legacy of this walk end. Luckily, they are planning to have a commemoration of the walk, Kirstin, and the good that’s been done in our community, which will be unveiled in the upcoming months. 

“We had a goal in mind, and we’ve reached that goal, and the most important thing is that Kirstin’s fund will continue to give through the interest on the endowment fund,” said Sutherland. 

If you would like to participate in this year’s walk, make sure you’re dressed for the weather and head on down, since everyone is welcome. 

“The walk takes place Sunday, June 14, at Selkirk Park, just as it always has. We’ve been very fortunate to have the support of the City of Selkirk and the St. Andrews Agricultural Society, and so it takes place there at the Ag. Building. Registration is $25 for adults, and with that comes a meal, and for youth it’s $10, and 6 and under is free,” said Sutherland. 

Registration takes place from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m., and the walk itself begins at 11 a.m.

“It’s a five kilometer route, it’s through the beautiful Selkirk Park. We loved it there, camped there, and she loved it there. So, it was just a really good place to have it, and everybody enjoys it. If you haven’t been there before on that walk, you’ll certainly be very pleasantly surprised,” said Sutherland. 

She also wanted to add that the walk and building are completely accessible for walkers, wheelchairs, scooters, and strollers, so no matter if you walk, run, or roll, you’re welcome. 

“It’s fun for the whole family,” said Sutherland. “We welcome anyone, and there’s some things for the kids. There’s a silent auction. Sometimes the fire department comes, they bring their fire truck, and they bring their mascot, Sparky, and oftentimes the Métis Music Van  comes and leads the walkers with enthusiastic music.”

Sutherland says that her favourite part of the walk over the past ten years has been the people who’ve taken part. 

“When people show up, they’re having a good time. That’s why it’s going to be very hard to conclude, but we have a plan, so we’re trying to stick by it, and it’ll definitely be very bittersweet, because it’s been a long, successful time,” she said.

Sutherland hopes that a large crowd stops by to mark the tenth anniversary of the walk. 

“Just come and have fun. A lot of people partake in the walk. We have some seniors that don’t walk, but they come and enjoy the meal and the silent auction and visit,” she said.

She also wants to say thank you and show gratitude for everyone who has supported the walk over the past ten years. 

“I’d like to just thank everyone for an incredible 10 years of showing up with open hearts and their unwavering support. Because of them, Kirstin’s Walk became more than a walk, it became a community, a place of comfort and an expression of love,” said Sutherland. 

Some major sponsors in particular who have supported the walk over the decade are: Danny’s Wholehog, Red River Pawn Shop, 204, Steelcity, and the Legion Ladies Aux. to name a few.

To learn more about the walk or make a donation, visit www.kirstinswalk.ca.