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HomeMy WebLinkAboutThe Times Advocate, 2005-07-06, Page 11Wednesday,July 6, 2005 Exeter Times–Advocate 11 84 year old walling forWarAmps By Scott Nixon TIMES -ADVOCATE STAFF HURON COUNTY — Four-month walks cover- ing 1,500 kilometres are usually the furthest thing from the minds of most 84 year olds, but not for Gordon Scott, who's walk- ing to raise money and awareness for the War Amps Child Amputee pro- gram. "It's a great age for an adventure," Scott says. Scott, a veteran of the Second World War, start- ed his 1,500 kilometre walk May 18 in Peterborough County and hopes to be done by the end of September. He hit the Exeter area last weekend and spent Thursday night at the home of Joe and Nancy Vink, about 15 minutes east of Exeter. Once through Exeter, Scott hit Grand Bend, then intends to walk through Sarnia to Windsor, and then along the Talbot Trail on Lake Erie's shoreline, where he'll eventually make it to Hamilton and the Toronto area before returning home. He says he's fol- lowing the route he took by bicycle as a 17 year old. Through all of this, Scott is travelling alone and pulling a 115 -pound cart behind him, consisting of personal items such as extra clothes. He's proudly flying the Maple Leaf and the Red Ensign, the flag he fought for in the Second World War. During the war, Scott says he nearly lost both his legs and, while hospitalized, realized the suffering experienced by those who lose limbs "I've always believed that the cause the War Amps espouse was a very worthwhile cause," Scott said in an interview last week. Scott said the walk was going "pretty good" and, while he gets tired every- day, he gets a good night's sleep, gets up every morning and con- tinues walking. He aver- ages about 15 kilometres a day, depending on the countryside — the flat- ness of the local area made the walk easier. And while walking alongside a highway for 1,500 kilometres may seem like a dangerous idea, Scott says he's toler- ant of short distances between him and passing cars. He says so far he's pleased with the respect drivers have shown him. Scott started getting ready for his walk about a year ago by walking long distances in a day and seeing how well his body handled it. "I'm in fairly good shape for the shape I'm in," he says, adding that he still farms beef cattle. Scott was also a teacher for 33 years after serving in the war. One might think walk- ing alone all day would be lonely or boring, but Scott disagrees. "I don't even think about loneliness," he says. "There are too many interesting things to think about," such as the ecology and noting the interesting names of the creeks and rivers he comes across. At first, Scott was Gordon Scott of Peterborough County, 84, is walking 1,500 kilometres throughout southwestern Ontario to raise money and awareness forWarAmps, in an effort he calls "GrampsTramps for Champs" He was in the Exeter area last weekend. (photo/Scott Nixon) h9ro �DUNDATIOn LA PorItiAT1oH TRILLIUM DE L'ONTARIO www.trilliumlounamui ,.Q,, Pfrf Not only was Canada Day celebrated last Friday, but the official lighting of Alvin Willert field was held to mark the new lights at the ballpark. South Huron Minor Baseball Association co-chair Jeff Keller thanked all the organizations involved in helping raise the $102,000 needed for the Tights, including the OntarioTrillium Foundation ($45,000), the Exeter Lions ($10,000) and Exeter Economic Development ($25,000). Keller also thanked the municipality for its assistance and the local businesses for buying signs in the outfield. He also gave credit to local ballplayers, who volunteered numerous hours to work on the ballpark. Keller said the generosity of the community "amazes" him. He added the Tights have meant adult players have been able to come home from work, spend time with their families and eat dinner before going to the ballpark instead of having to rush off to the park right after work Being able to play at night also means faraway teams like Port Dover can now travel to games in Exeter. Enrolment is up and free pick-up games are held everyWednesday night at 9:30 p.m. Pictured above holding the banner are Keller's daughters Aveleigh and Nei11a, while in back from left are past - president of the Exeter Lions Glenn Kelis, Doug Fairbairn of the Exeter Express, South Huron Mayor Rob Morley, Huron -Bruce MPP Carol Mitchell, Don Keenan of Musco Lighting and Keller. (photo/Scott Nixon) spending his nights sleep- ing along the roadside. Eventually, when word got out about his walk, people began opening their homes for him to have a meal, a shower and a bed to sleep in. People often stop and talk to him along the road while he's walking. He also hands out informa- tion sheets telling people about his walk. "Most people have been quite positive," Scott says, adding that he also emphasizes other War Amps programs like Childsafe and Drive Safe. Scott says he has no fundraising goal, but esti- mates he raised over $1,000 in pledges during the first week of his walk. Those interested in donating to War Amps can send a cheque to 1 Maybrook Drive, Scarborough, Ont., M1V 5C9. Place the number "84.5" in the memo sec- tion of your cheque. You can also call 1-800-250- 3030. "Is Yer Fone Number Not Kurently Listed or Listed Inkurectly?" Due to overwhelming response... once again this year we will be publishing the Exeter and Area Phone Book. It is our intention to publish a Telephone Listing as correct and current as possible. So, if your business or home phone number is not listed or is incorrect, we will be happy to add or correct your number. Just... 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