Eastern Ontario man walking 5K a day to support anti-bullying initiatives, fundraise for CHEO

Craig McCormick is standing up to bullying with his ‘Take a Stand – Lend a Hand’ campaign ahead of Pink Shirt Day. CTV’s Jack Richardson reports.

For the fourth consecutive year, Craig McCormick is walking to make a difference with his “Take a Stand - Lend a Hand” campaign.

Every day leading up to National Pink Shirt Day on Feb. 26, a day to recognize anti-bullying initiatives across the country, McCormick is walking five kilometres around different eastern Ontario communities.

“I’m glad I’m doing it because the reception I’m getting is awesome,” he told CTV News Ottawa.

McCormick’s inspiration to start the campaign came from serving 30 years as an officer with the Ontario Provincial Police.

“It tugged at the heart that I needed to do something when I retired, and here I am on the fourth anniversary,” he said.

The campaign chooses a different institution to support every year. This year, McCormick is raising money for the Children’s Hospital of Eastern Ontario’s (CHEO) Mental Health Program.

“I’m so excited to do this for CHEO,” he said. “If you can donate to CHEO Mental Health Services, I’ll tell you, your money goes a long way because I’ve seen what they do there for youth.”

McCormick isn’t just walking to get his steps in. Along the way, he stops into local businesses to hand out stickers with information on how to donate.

Staff at O’Malley’s Kourt Fudgery in downtown Brockville is going a step further by agreeing to donate their tips and a portion of their sales on Saturday.

“I quickly said yes, let’s do this,” said store co-owner Joanne Scarlett. “It’s so dear to my heart. Let’s get that message out there.”

After walking in Brockville on Saturday, McCormick will head to Perth on Sunday and spend Monday and Tuesday in Ottawa.

On National Pink Shirt Day, he’ll walk at a school in Kemptville with 200 students by his side.

Donations can be made through the CHEO Foundation’s website.