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One Million Steps in One Hundred Days for PWRDF February 4, 2010
By Denise Hambidge
Gladys Olsen Photo: Brian Olsen
Putting her best foot forward and walking a million steps in one hundred days, retired priest Gladys Olsen is raising at least $1700 for The Primates’ World Relief and Development Fund (PWRDF) through the pledges she receives for her effort. Gladys, a member of the parish of St. Anne’s Richmond, credits her grandson with inspiring her. Two years ago at age eight, Liam ran five kilometres and raised more than $1700 for PWRDF. Alas, Gladys can no longer run! However, she has a niece who was walking a million steps for a good cause and Gladys immediately thought this was something she could do for PWRDF. Although she has a painful knee, Gladys loves to walk and by walking ten thousand steps a day for one hundred days, she is assisting the mission of PWRDF in its work around the world. PWRDF is not the only organization being supported. Gladys is also using this project to raise money for the Stephen Lewis “Grandmothers to Grandmothers” campaign and pledges from fellow members total $675.
The weather can be very wet on the west coast during the winter but Gladys goes out walking Monday to Saturday each week but on Sundays gives her body a rest. Only occasionally does she resort to finishing the daily ten thousand steps on her treadmill if circumstances prevent her finishing them outside.
Walking one million steps means walking approximately 725 kilometres and it takes determination and commitment. Gladys hopes that her efforts will encourage others to step out as well. Not only is it an active way to help others, but the fitness side-effects are very worthwhile too!
Stay tuned: We will follow Gladys’ progress over the next weeks as she completes her one million steps in one hundred days.
Link to larger version of the picture of Gladys
