An 88-year-old Pembroke man is inviting residents to lace up their walking shoes later this month to help raise money for new eye-care equipment at the Pembroke Regional Hospital.
Russell Mackay, known in the community as “Papa,” will host Walk With Papa on Feb. 22 at the Pembroke Memorial Centre in support of the Pembroke Regional Hospital Foundation. Proceeds from the event will go toward the purchase of a new ophthalmology chair for the hospital.
Mackay has spent decades walking to raise funds for charitable causes and said this year’s effort is especially meaningful. He lost his sight in his early 60s and hopes the fundraiser will help ensure patients can access quality eye care close to home.
“Walking and bringing our families and communities together for a good cause is my way of giving back,” Mackay said. “I hope everyone will join me to walk and to donate – for a cause that benefits everyone in our region.”
The event will run from 10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., with a kickoff at 10:30 a.m. and a closing walk at 1:30 p.m. Participants of all ages and abilities are welcome to join at any point during the event.
Roger Martin, executive director of the Pembroke Regional Hospital Foundation, was pleased to see Mackay chose to support the PRH Foundation this year.
“I have known Russell and his family all my life, and it is an absolute pleasure that he has chosen the PRH Foundation for his 2026 Walk,” Martin said. “To show how proud we all are that he is still able to do this at 88 years old, legally blind and diabetic, we should all take part in one way or another to celebrate all of our grandparents.”
Residents can participate by walking, forming teams, or making individual or business donations. More information is available at www.walkwithpapa.ca. The event is also being promoted on Facebook.
Funds raised will support improved comfort and accessibility for patients undergoing eye care procedures at the hospital.
(Steve Berard)