Marilyn Hinton Sutherland discovered walking sticks offer more stability when she joined the Outdoor Physical Activity and Health program (OPAH), a research study funded by Health Canada and supported by UNBC and Northern Health, that requires non-smoking adults over 55 to exercise for 30 minutes daily from Jan. 27 to April 12.
The usefulness of the trekking poles or walking sticks has inspired her to take action and put a call out for those who can donate sticks to people interested in using them but find the cost prohibitive. Hinton Sutherland said she bought a pair of trekking poles for about $80 and she thought that was too expensive.
"Wouldn't it be neat to collect old ski poles, orphaned or replaced, that are in garages and closets all over Prince George," said Hinton Sutherland.
"The ECRA (Elder Citizens Recreation Association) agreed to put a call out to their members," said Hinton Sutherland.
"So then, come fall, we would have our walking citizens of Prince George all outfitted with donated ski poles, looking all co-ordinated and organized and ready for the Canada Winter Games in 2015. That was how all this came about."
The Elder Citizen Rec Centre has a bin in place, ready to take donations.
"I don't want this targeted to seniors, I think it would be great for everybody because we've all had to cope with these icy streets and sidewalks," said Hinton Sutherland.
