Community members can slip on their trainers and hit the pavement in Lindsay later this month to help support those in the City of Kawartha Lakes and the County of Haliburton who are experiencing homelessness.
A Place Called Home (APCH), which operates an emergency shelter in Lindsay, is gearing up for its 22nd annual “Mark-a-thon Hero Walk” taking place this year on Saturday, June 21.
The community event, which includes a five-kilometre and 10-kilometre walk through the streets and parks of Lindsay, is dedicated to supporting those experiencing homelessness in the Kawartha Lakes and the Haliburton County.
The annual event is named after Mark Fevang, who first began walking to raise funds for APCH back in 2001 with the encouragement of his mother, a previous APCH board member who helped organize the first fundraising walk for the organization in 2000.
In 2003, the board renamed the walk the Mark-a-thon in recognition of Fevang’s leadership for the fundraiser. Over the past 20 years, he has participated in the walk every year (with the exception of two years during the pandemic) and has raised nearly $100,000 to support those in the area experiencing homelessness.
Last September’s walk raised over $5,000 for APCH and, with the help of the community, Fevang’s goal for this year is to raise $10,000 for the organization.
“Homelessness is a critical and complex issue that profoundly affects individuals and families in our community,” said Jennifer Lopinski, APCH’s fund development coordinator, in a media release.
“Those experiencing homelessness often face numerous obstacles, including poverty, a shortage of affordable housing, and limited access to healthcare and employment opportunities. These difficulties are frequently exacerbated by mental health challenges and substance use disorders, making it even harder for individuals to secure stable housing and the support they need,” Lopinski said.
APCH offers emergency shelter to people who are experiencing homelessness and drop-in services to those who are at risk of becoming homeless or have recently transitioned from shelter. Services include a nutritious meal each day, access to a phone, a shower, a bathroom, and laundry facilities, “and most importantly, the chance to work closely with dedicated shelter staff to develop a plan for improved housing stability,” the release noted.
“The Hero Walk is more than just a walk — it’s a powerful movement that brings our community together to make a meaningful difference in the lives of those experiencing homelessness,” Lopinski said. “By participating, you are not only showing your support for those in need but also becoming part of a life-changing journey for a member of our community that is in crisis.”
On the day of the event, the 10-kilometre walk kicks off at 9 a.m. at the Lindsay Farmers’ Market on Victoria Avenue between Kent Street and Peel Street. The five-kilometre walk starts at 10:30 a.m. from the A&W parking lot at 363 Kent Street West.
Walkers can register online by making a $25 donation, or by collecting pledges in support of the walk. Registration and pledge sheets are available at www.tickettailor.com/events/aplacecalledhome/1629590.
Event-day registration is available 30 minutes before the five-kilometre or 10-kilometre walk start times at the above locations.
The family-friendly and pet-friendly event will conclude at the Coach and Horses Pub at 16 York Street South, where participants can enjoy a complimentary and celebratory barbecue meal sponsored by the Wholesale Club.
Those who are unable to participate in the walk but want to support Fevang’s efforts can make a donation at www.canadahelps.org/en/dn/3016.
APCH recently told kawarthaNOW it’s striving to have a bigger impact on reducing homelessness and providing housing supports through an expansion. In December 2024, APCH received approval from the City of Kawartha Lakes to extend its capacity of emergency shelter spaces from 19 to 30.
“I think we have a bit of a moving target and the amount of folks experiencing homelessness keeps increasing, so the biggest benefit is that we are able to take a bigger bite out of the situation and help more individuals,” said Angela Ricciuti, who became APCH’s new executive director in March. “It means less people are living outside or living rough.”
APCH was able to find the space within its current building to accommodate the expansion. When the shelter was rebuilt during the pandemic, its square footage increased. Back then, it was built as a “pandemic proof” shelter, meaning that the square footage would allow for all 19 residents to remain in shelter based on maintaining a six-foot distance from each other and meeting other public health requirements.
With extra space to spare, APCH was able to extend its capacity. The goal of the expansion was to bring more people inside and out of the elements and to provide supports aimed at helping them establish more permanent housing arrangements.
For more information about the Mark-a-thon Hero Walk or to inquire about sponsorship opportunities, email Jennifer Lopinski at jennifer@apch.ca.
