Hundreds gathered at Eau Claire on a brisk Thanksgiving Monday in support of the Calgary Food Bank for TheWalk.ca 5K.
This event first started three years ago as a concept to give back to the community, said co-founder Paul Lavoie.
“My partner, Doug, and I thought we could do something really great for the food bank, so we thought, what’s better than a 5k walk,” he said. “All proceeds go to the food bank, and right after the walk is the Power Hour, which is an outdoor dance party.”
This is the third consecutive walk and the event raised more than $300,000.
Lavoie said this year’s event reflected the generosity of the community.
“Having almost 800 people show up today shows that people will make time, are thankful, want to give and want to become part of our community,” Lavoie said.
Since it began, the walk has raised more than $1.1 million in support of the Calgary Food Bank, said president and CEO Melissa From.
The food bank was approached to be the benefactors of the walks four years ago after Doug’s 50th birthday, she said.
“(Doug) wanted to run 50 marathons, and through that he wanted to raise funds for the Calgary Food Bank,” From said. “That was four years ago they did that, and exceeded the raising target quite a bit.
“Then, the following year, after turning 51, he just couldn’t let things lie. Thus, the walk was born, and here we are three years later.”
Money raised from the event goes a long way to help feed the nearly 1,000 families that rely on the food bank, From said.
For every dollar raised, the food bank can distribute a little over $3 worth of food.
“Raising $1.1 million really means that close to $3.5 million worth of food is going to go out the door and into the pantries, refrigerators and dinner tables of those families that need it the most,” From said.
After 44 years in the community, From encourages Calgarians to support families in need over the holiday season.
Anyone looking to donate or volunteer is encouraged to visit www.calgaryfoodbank.com for more information.
The Walk in support of the Calgary Food Bank at Eau Claire Plaza on Monday, October 12, 2026.
Cameron Martin and Glyndwr Merriman were strutting their stuff in turkey costumes along the five kilometre walk.
“Gobble,” Martin said, when asked why they decided to participate in this year’s walk.
They are big supporters of Paul and Doug, and appreciate the effect they’ve had on the community, said “turkey translator” Merriman.
“We also have been involved with the food bank a lot, so we love whenever we get the chance to be involved and just make a difference in the community,” Merriman said.
Cameron Martin and Glyndwr Merriman were rocking turkey costumes for The Walk in support of the Calgary Food Bank at Eau Claire Plaza on Monday, October 12, 2026.
The two stopped to take pictures with kids and families along the route.
“When the food bank told us they had these costumes, we had to say yes,” Merriman said. “We definitely couldn’t pass up that opportunity.”
Both praised the community benefits of the event.
“We’ve been in Calgary for a while, and I love to be part of these opportunities,” Merriman said. “That’s really valuable to me and I know it is for a lot of people, so it’s really good to see.”
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