Steps For Charity

The Finish Line Is In Sight

By PR Extension Office

Milking goats and running after three little boys boosts steps for step counters like Kristina Ryan, a member of The Mean Machine. The last week of the Steps for Charity challenge brought winter weather and March Madness basketball games to make getting extra steps to get in the winner’s circle even more challenging.

The easy part of the Steps for Charity challenge is knowing why we walk. The event supports charities like Erin’s Hope Project, World Central Kitchen and Powder River Trails.

Erin’s Hope Project was chosen by Jacam Joggers, and includes members James Riley, Bailee Murnion, and Shannon and Lainey Smith, and is sponsored by Jacam Catalyst. Erin’s Hope Project formed in March 2011 in memory of nine-year old Erin Hurr of Miles City. In 2010, Erin passed away following a courageous battle with cancer. In her short time, Erin touched many lives with a heart full of joy and bringing love to all who knew her. To honor her, the organization was created to give hope to children with life-threatening illnesses.

World Central Kitchen is the charity chosen by Ward Walkers, who are Katie and Abe Ward and Lydia and Trevor Greene and is sponsored by the Powder River Vet Clinic. World Central Kitchen was chosen because the organization is first to the frontlines providing nourishing meals for communities around the world in response to humanitarian, climate and community causes. They believe that food is a universal human right and that good food provides nourishment, comfort and hope especially in times of crisis.

Powder River Trails was chosen by Hit the Trails, who are Marge Mader, Randy Sullivan, Karen Amende and Gail Robins. These champion walkers are often seen out and about in the community…walking from exercise class at the Senior Center or from volunteering at St. Vincent de Paul’s. Their charity, Powder River Trails, promotes walking and building a more walkable community from creating historic interpretive signs to installing benches or applying for grants to repave the asphalt trail, it’s Powder River Trails that takes the lead.

The Steps for Charity challenge concludes March 31st. Winners will be announced next week. Enjoy these last few days of getting in the extra steps.