A father will be doing a charity walk in honour of his daughters birthday in Port Hope on Saturday, April 13, 2024.
Mark Chard will be walking along the Waterfront Trail starting at 9 a.m. on Lake Street on what would have been his daughter’s 31st birthday.
Madison Chard was reported missing on April 19, 2022 by her family.
A month later on May 19, Chard’s body was found along the Ganaraska River in Port Hope.
Both Mark and his wife Lori believe that Madison died as a result of foul play.
Madison (Madi) did suffer from mental illness and addiction and all funds raised from the walk will go to the Ontario Shores Centre for Mental Health.
Chard said his daughter loved and found peace walking along the Waterfront Trail so that is where the second annual walk will take place.
“It’s going to be an annual tradition as long as I’m healthy enough to do it,” said Chard.
“It’s also to bring awareness to mental health.”
Chard said he doesn’t expect anyone to walk the 31-laps which works out to approximately 27 kilometres.
“But it’s an open space, it’s a public space – if people want to come and share a couple of laps with me that’s perfectly fine.”
Chard said if people can’t support the walk financially he understands with so many worthwhile causes, “but (Ontario Shores) was near and dear to Madison’s heard and we’re going to keep that tradition going.”
Last year Chard walked approximately 26-kilometres which is something he’s never done before.
Saying the next day he was, “a little stiff. But the fact that I knew she’d be proud of me kept me going.”
Chard’s wife, Lori will be at the gazebo if anyone would like to make a donation.
Last year the walk raised close to $10,000.
Shortly after Madison’s death a GoFundMe was started and along with other donation’s, Ontario Chores Centre for Mental Health has received nearly $50,000 in honour of Madison.
Chard said his family is extremely grateful for the support from the community since Madi’s death and also is honoured that the money is going towards the mental health problem that is rampant in the community.
The walk starts at 9 a.m. at the gazebo at the corner of Hope Street South and Lake Street in Port Hope on Saturday, April 13.
Anyone wishing to donate can do so at the walk or online at Ontario Shores Centre for Mental Health.
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
