Walking can help end hunger on local level
By Ginna Young
Do you like to walk? Do you like to help people in need? If the answer to those questions was yes, then the Ice Age Trail is the place to be, Sunday, Aug. 8, for a Walk to End Hunger. Sponsored by BetterLife Lodge 141, the outdoor excursion at 11 a.m. and 1 p.m., is collecting funds for the Cadott and Cornell food pantries.
In the first of its nature, a nation-wide walk was decided on to get the word out about the lodge and to help communities. The ZCBJ (Western Fraternal Life Association) began in 1897, but this year, Western Fraternal merged with Mutual Benefit, which is another fraternal organization.
“This is kind of a roll-out…let’s do a signature event,” said JoAnn Parks, Bohemian Lodge member.
Each lodge could choose which food pantry to donate to, so, with the Bohemian building between Cadott and Cornell, it was a no-brainer to split the collection.
During the family-friendly event for all ages, goodies, trail mix and water will be available for the walkers. Parks says it should be a good day, as the breeze off the nearby water will feel good and the bugs will be at a minimum.
While some lodges collected pledges to raise funds, Parks didn’t want to burden the communities she’s trying to help.
“I thought, I can’t go to businesses while they’ve been hurting with COVID,” she said.
Those who wish to donate, can visit betterlifewalktoendhunger. dojiggy.io/lodge141/campaign, or they can bring a donation or a non-perishable food item the day of the event.
Parks said if someone has small children or decides the loop is not something they want to complete, they can certainly turn around and head back to the parking lot at any time during the hike. Guides will be on hand to help the groups.
Walkers need to pre-register so the lodge knows how many to expect and the participants will meet the day of the event at 23778 County Hwy. CC, in Cornell. To register, contact Parks, at 715-289-7723.
Parks said she wants to fill the trail with people and hopes the lodge can hold the event again in the future.
“It would be a nice thing if it were yearly,” said Parks.
