Linda's Walk is a Success

Getting ready for Linda's Walk at the Franciscan Church of St. Bonaventure in Toronto, Ontario

On a hot and humid Saturday this August, around 150 people gathered in the parking lot of the Franciscan Church of St. Bonaventure in Toronto, Ontario. They were there to help homeless women with mental health issues by participating in Linda’s Walk.

Four walkers

Linda had lived on the streets in the Toronto neighbourhood of Don Mills where St. Bonaventure Parish is also located. She coped with many health issues which eventually caused her death. At the time of her passing, Linda was still homeless and alone. After her death the Conventual Franciscan friars at St. Bonaventure as well as lay parishioners formed a group called Friends of St. Francis. Its purpose was to prevent other women with mental health issues from going down Linda’s path. The group’s efforts resulted in the creation of St. Clare Inn – a transitional home in Toronto for women with mental health problems. Linda’s Walk on that August day raised awareness and funds for St. Clare Inn and the women who call it home.

Friar Tom Purcell, OFM Conv. - executive director of St. Clare Inn

At 8 am on the day of the walk, participants registered for it and then a fitness trainer led them in a warm-up. The large group brimmed with positivity and excitement as the walk started down the many leafy streets of Don Mills. It included a visit to a bench dedicated to Linda. Here many of the walkers placed flowers in honour of the woman they were remembering.

A warm-up before the walk

The walk ended back at St. Bonaventure where walkers rested and ate delicacies from a free barbecue. In total, they had raised $21,000 for St. Clare Inn. This is an amazing number especially when one considers that this was the first Linda’s Walk ever. The future of Toronto’s homeless women with mental health issues it seems is looking a little brighter.

Flowers in memory of Linda

(Source of all related photos on webpage and homepage: The Franciscan Church of St. Bonaventure.)