Longtime community supporter and dedicated charity walker Russell Mackay is inviting the public to join him for a special fundraising event, Walk With Papa, on February 22nd in support of the Pembroke Regional Hospital Foundation.

 

At 88 years old, Russell - affectionately known to many as “Papa”- continues his long-standing tradition of walking to raise funds for meaningful causes. This year, he is rallying the community to walk beside him in support of an important local healthcare need: helping to fund the purchase of a new ophthalmology chair for the Pembroke Regional Hospital. This is meaningful to Russell who lost his sight early in his 60s, and wants to ensure everyone can get the best eye care locally.

 

“Walking and bringing our families and communities together for a good cause is my way of giving back,” says Russell. “I hope everyone will join me to walk and to donate - for a cause that benefits everyone in our region.”

 

The event will take place at the Pembroke Memorial Centre on February 22nd from 10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., where participants of all ages and abilities are encouraged to lace up, show their support, and join Russell on the walking track. A special kickoff will be held at 10:30 a.m. and the walk finale will take place at 1:30 p.m. with everyone invited to join in whenever they can.

 

Community members can get involved in several ways by visiting www.walkwithpapa.ca:

 

• Come, walk and cheer on “Papa”.

• Register as an individual walker or a team.

• Make a donation in support of the cause – personal and business donations welcome!

• Share the news and invite your friends and family to join you.

 

All proceeds raised through Walk With Papa will help equip the hospital’s ophthalmology department with an updated and essential patient care chair, supporting improved comfort and accessibility for individuals undergoing eye care and procedures.

 

The Foundation’s Executive Director Roger Martin says, “I have known Russell and his family all my life and it is an absolute pleasure that he has chosen the PRH Foundation for his 2026 Walk. To show how proud we all are that he is still able to do this at 88 years old, legally blind and diabetic, we should all take part in one way or another to celebrate ALL of our grandparents!”

 

Follow along and share the good news on the Walk with Papa event page on Facebook. Find out more and donate on www.walkwithpapa.ca.

 

FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT:

 

Roger Martin, Executive Director

Pembroke Regional Hospital Foundation

roger.martin@prh.email

(613) 732-2811, extension 6223

 

Crystal Mackay, Walk With Papa Fundraiser Coordinator

crystal@loft32.ca

(519) 829-9772

 

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Facebook: @PembrokeRegionalHospitalFoundation

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