‘Walk for Dialysis’ planned in honour of Bruyere

Press Release

The Riverside Foundation for Health Care, with help from family and friends, is organizing a Tom Bruyere Memorial “20-Mile Walk for Dialysis” next month.
Slated to take place on Friday, Sept. 18 at 8 a.m., the starting point will be on the River Road 20 miles west of Fort Frances.
Tom Bruyere, who spearheaded this annual event for eight years and raised more than $100,000 for dialysis in Rainy River District, passed away suddenly on July 30.
“We [were] shocked and deeply saddened by Tom’s passing,” said Foundation director Teresa Hazel.
“Tom was a friend and supporter of the Foundation, and he will be sadly missed.”
Anyone can participate in the walk by either making a pledge or collecting their own pledges and walking whatever distance they can along the 20-mile route.
“We’re encouraging people to start at the 20-mile marker or join us anywhere along the route,” Hazel explained.
North Air Taxi is providing a complimentary limo service to take the walkers to the starting point.
Pick-up will be at North American Lumber at 7:15 a.m.
For those who drive to the starting point, a shuttle service will be available to bring vehicles back to Fort Frances.
Snacks and refreshments also will be available along the way.
The walk will end at North American Lumber, where hotdogs and refreshments will be served courtesy of The Place Fine Foods.
Richard Visser will walk this year in memory of his late wife, Metta, and now his friend Tom, who both were strong advocates for dialysis treatment locally.
“I enjoyed walking with Tom,” Visser said. “He helped bring a lot of awareness about the need for dialysis in the Rainy River District.”
All proceeds from the walk will be used locally and put towards the Renal Dialysis Program at La Verendrye Hospital here.
The Riverside Foundation for Health Care will issue charitable receipts for all donations and pledges of $20 or more.
All those who make pledges and/or participate in the walk also will be eligible to win prizes.
Anyone wishing to participate in this year’s walk can pick-up a pledge form at La Verendrye Hospital, or contact either Teresa Hazel (274-4803) or Deb Westover-Morrisseau (487-2275).
Community members are invited to North American Lumber to greet the walkers between 1:30 and 2 p.m. that day.