Apart but Fiercely United – Recapping the 2020 Ovarian Cancer Canada Walk of Hope: The Virtual Edition
September 23, 2020
On Sunday, September 13, 2020, participants across Canada walked to help save women’s lives at the 2020 Ovarian Cancer Canada Walk of Hope: The Virtual Edition. Participants tweeted, went live on Instagram, shared teal pictures, and tuned in for the Facebook live events.
What an exciting and unforgettable Walk – and you made it all possible! With generous donations still coming in online and from select on-site locations, we are pleased to reveal that, together, we have raised $1,025,000 and counting*!
While COVID-19 restrictions and heath guidelines changed this annual fundraising event, Teal Sisters, volunteers, and participants across the country were poised and ready to ensure the Walk goes on – safely, virtually, and with a strong sense of purpose and unity.
Bright and early on Sunday morning, participants kicked off their walks by tuning into video messages from Ovarian Cancer Canada regional directors and fellow staff. Participants were invited to walk in their neighbourhoods, at the cottage, along their favourite trail or even inside on the treadmill. It didn’t matter where we walked, it was why we walked.
Karen Taylor, Teal Sister and volunteer committee member of the Walk in Edmonton, and husband, John Hare
“Living through this pandemic has been complex and hard for Canadians and also for health charities,” says Elisabeth Baugh, CEO, Ovarian Cancer Canada. “The determination, strength, and support we’ve seen in this community and from Canadians for this cause, and during such a difficult time, convinced us we could make this year’s Walk happen. Our community has a history of rising to any challenge – we know how to pivot and innovate.”
For the first time ever, Ovarian Cancer Canada hosted an online National Closing Ceremony connecting the entire community across Canada. This ceremony honoured Teal Sisters and their families, showcased the commitment of dedicated volunteers, celebrated our generous sponsors, and announced exciting upcoming initiatives such as Ovarian Cancer Canada’s National Symposium: A Weekend of Wellness, Knowledge, Support and Connection and The Every Woman Study: Canadian Edition.
In case you missed the Closing Ceremonies (or want to enjoy it all over again) watch the recording here.
Stephanie Gosselin, Regional Director of Manitoba and Saskatchewan, Ovarian Cancer Canada and her father, John Hughes
The 2020 Walk presented new, unique and memorable ways to connect and form a circle of support that spanned from coast to coast.
“While this year’s Walk may have kept us apart physically, I truly felt the connection, dedication and support of the entire country at this year’s Walk. Walk committees came together (virtually) like never before to get creative, try new things and to keep our participants excited and engaged,” explains Stephanie Gosselin, Regional Director of Manitoba and Saskatchewan, Ovarian Cancer Canada. “My team was proud to walk in our small community, Shellbrook, Saskatchewan, and is excited about planning our own Walk here in 2021! It was truly one of the best Walks. A huge thank you to all Walk committees, volunteers, participants, Teal Sisters, and sponsors who made this event possible.”
This annual event raises vital funds to ensure Ovarian Cancer Canada’s work can continue, and supports a wide range of events, resources, programs and initiatives for Teal Sisters and supporters across Canada.
Save the date and walk with us next year on Sunday, September 12, 2021! Together, let’s help save women’s lives.
Bettina Caroli, Volunteer Co-chair of the Walk in Montreal and family and friends
Be sure to follow Ovarian Cancer Canada’s social media channels for photos and exciting updates about the work that your funds make possible, and for more ways to get involved and share your voice to help women live fuller, better, longer lives.
It’s not too late to donate and support this annual event. Online donations will be accepted up until October 31, 2020.
Donate today
*Fundraising total as of September 23, 2020.