Intermittent showers could not dampen the spirit of the community on International Women’s Day, as women, families, seniors, and young people gathered to take 1000 Steps for Care. What began as a simple walk quickly became a powerful statement: the prolonged closure of the All Saints Clinic continues to place a real and growing burden on residents who depend on accessible, local healthcare.
1000 Steps Care Health
For many, the walk was not just symbolic — it was deeply personal. Parents spoke about the difficulty of travelling long distances with sick children. Seniors shared how challenging it has been to access routine care. Caregivers described the strain of managing emergencies without a nearby facility. These stories formed the heartbeat of the event.
Harold Lovell, UPP Caretaker for All Saints West, thanked participants for showing up despite the weather. He reflected on several experiences shared by residents, noting how the clinic’s closure has disrupted daily life and created unnecessary hardship. He expressed concern that recent activity around the building appeared more cosmetic than substantive — clearing furniture, power‑washing, and painting the front façade — without meaningful progress toward reopening.
Lovell emphasized that the community deserves more than temporary gestures. He pledged to continue raising the issue until the clinic is fully restored and residents once again have reliable access to care close to home.
But beyond any single voice, the walk itself told the story. Women led the way, holding umbrellas and walking with purpose. Families moved together. Neighbors encouraged one another. The message was unmistakable: healthcare is not a privilege; it is a necessity.
The 1000 Steps for Care Health Walk became a reminder of what community action can achieve. It showed that when people stand together, even in the rain, their voices carry further. It demonstrated that advocacy is not only about protest, but also about hope, dignity, and the belief that every resident deserves access to essential health services.
