It was mission accomplished for Reverend Kevin Moore and his group of followers as they raised nearly three times their goal for Ukrainian families coming to the Northumberland area.
Reverend Moore started his walked around 9 a.m. from the Port Hope United Church on Saturday, April 30, 2022 and walked to Cobourg and then back to Port Hope.
Along the way approximately 50 other people participated in his journey. Some joining him for the entire trip of 23-kilometres. Cobourg Mayor John Henderson joined Moore and his group as they entered the boundary of Cobourg and walked with them to Victoria Hall before stopping for a brief rest and continuing back to Port Hope.
“I saw images of people walking out of Ukraine, multiple generations and just walking – walking to get to Poland and get to safety.”
“I thought maybe I could walk to Cobourg and back and it took on a life of its own.”
The goal initially was $10,000, but by Saturday Reverend Moore and his group had raised nearly $30,000.
“People were so generous and wanted to be involved.”
Moore said some of the people taking part, “are no Spring chickens,” but said they are very much in shape because, “this is no walk around the block.”
“We are so thrilled by the support. People have been handing us donations, honking their horns. We’ve been handing Ukrainian flags to kids along the way. It’s just been a spectacular day.”
Moore said that if any people from Ukraine saw them walking or the coverage, he hopes what the group is doing makes them feel welcome.
“We are welcoming them into this area with open arms.”
Cobourg Mayor John Henderson said the walk was definitely for the right reason and the right cause.
“We have to protect our democracy, we have to protect our freedom and we have to protect, especially nations who are peaceful to others and I think Ukraine emulates that in all fronts.”
“All of Canada is behind Ukraine on all fronts.”
Members of the Cobourg and Port Hope Police Service blocked intersections for the group’s journey.
The group ended their journey nearly exactly the time they expected too at approximately 4 p.m. at Ganaraska Brewing Company on Mill Street South where they were met with a number of well-wishers cheering them on.
Port Hope Mayor Bob Sanderson was one of the people who met the group.
“It’s more than heartwarming. It’s incredible that a few people can make such a big difference.”
Olena Hamkivsky who is spearheading a group called Northumberland for Ukraine Families which is where the money will be going said she was elated with Rev. Moore and what the community has raised.
Hamkivsky was invited by Reverend Moore to speak about what she was doing at the Port Hope United Church and after that soon got a phone call on what he had planned.
“Never in my wildest dreams did I think that less than a week later he would send me an e-mail saying he was planning a walkathon.”
“Today I’m even more amazed that he’s exceeded those goals and our expectations. This is going to be absolutely instrumental to feed the families that we have brought into the community.”
There are 20 Ukraine families that have either arrived or are heading to the area.
With nearly $30,000 raised, it will feed the families for two months.
Food is the biggest challenge at this point said Hamkivsky.
“We’ve had people opening up their hearts and their homes and we’ve had some good support for housing, but the biggest challenge, as we all know is food prices are just escalating. When you have a family of four, or six, or eight to feed, it’s a tremendous expense.”
Author: Pete Fisher
Has been a photojournalist for over 30-years and have been honoured to win numerous awards for photography and writing over the years. Best selling author for the book Highway of Heroes - True Patriot Love
