LAURIE WEIR
Two well-known Ottawa personalities, Michael Wood and Dylan Black, are lacing up for a 56-kilometre walk from Barrhaven to Smiths Falls to raise funds and awareness for the Smiths Falls Community Food Bank.
The event, still in the planning stages, is expected to take place this summer, though an exact date has yet to be announced. Their goal: raise $10,000 and spotlight growing concerns around food insecurity in the region.
“Smiths Falls is my second hometown,” Wood said in a June 27 interview with Hometown News. “I grew up half my life there. I know the people. I know the stories. And I know how many people are struggling right now.”
Wood, a former touring musician and founder of Ottawa Special Events, spends much of his downtime at the cottage in the area. He walks more than 10,000 steps a day and said the idea for the walk came naturally. After mentioning it to his long-time friend Black, a familiar voice on Ottawa radio, Black was immediately on board.
“It’s about people helping people,” Wood said. “Reminding each other that everyone matters.”
The route will follow back roads rather than highways. Both the Ontario Provincial Police and Ottawa Police Service have been notified and will be kept informed once the date is set. Wood estimates the journey will take about 12 hours.
Volunteers have already stepped up to offer roadside assistance, water, and moral support. Some have pledged donations, while others have offered to join in along the route.
Smiths Falls Mayor Shawn Pankow has voiced support for the initiative, Wood said, and several local businesses have also offered to help.
“I’m not doing this from a business perspective,” he added. “It’s not about optics or branding. I just want to help people.”
The demand at the Smiths Falls Community Food Bank continues to climb, with nearly 1,000 clients accessing services in May alone. Executive director Natalie Soterhoff said they spent more than $20,000 that month to meet needs. The town declared food insecurity an emergency earlier this year.
“We are so thankful for all our incredible donors,” the food bank posted on social media. “We had 289 volunteer hours!”
Reached on June 27, Soterhoff said she was overwhelmed by the support.
“Michael is a heaven-sent angel who is doing big things for us,” she said. “I’m so grateful that he happened to be listening to the radio when I was being interviewed. He knows I’ll never be able to fully express my gratitude.”
More details will be shared as plans are finalized. Suggestions have included timing the walk to coincide with Old Home Week in August.
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