The Heel ‘n’ Wheel-a-Thon is the Crohn’s and Colitis Foundation of Canada’s most energetic and fun fundraising event.
Participants strap on skates, hop on a bike, or lace up their walking shoes and join the thousands of Canadians at almost 80 locations across the country who will be using their heels or wheels to raise money to find a cure for inflammatory bowel disease which is made up of Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis.
The foundation’s Nanaimo chapter is hosting its second annual event June 26 at Maffeo Sutton Park from 12:30-3 p.m.
Last year’s walk raised more than $10,000 and Mohammed Vakili, Nanaimo chapter president, said they have their sights set even higher this year with a goal of $20,000.
The afternoon includes live music, a barbecue, prize basket raffles and children’s entertainment.
Participants have a choice of 2.5- , five-, 7.5- and 10-kilometre routes and energy drinks will be available along the way.
For registration information on the Heel ‘n’ Wheel-a-Thon, please visit www.heelnwheelathon.ca or e-mail nanaimo@cccf.ca.
One in 160 Canadians suffer from inflammatory bowel disease. Canada has among the highest rates of Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis in the world.
There is no cure, no known cause, and little public understanding of the pain and chronic suffering IBD patients cope with every day.