Each week, more than 20 walkers enjoy social time and exercise at the Picton indoor supervised walking program offered by the Prince Edward Community Care for Seniors. At a spry 95 years of age, Vera Godfroy (left) volunteers one day a week.

A partnership between Prince Edward Community Care and the local school board has led to a successful relaunch of the Picton walking program. This supervised walking program offers a safe environment to enjoy social time and get exercise during the cold winter months.

Volunteers work with community care staff to oversee the day-to-day operation of the walking program including taking attendance, ensuring name tags and proper footwear are worn, and reporting any problems or concerns to agency staff.

At a spry 94 years of age, Vera Godfroy volunteers one day a week. “It is not safe to walk outside and programs such as this help seniors live safely at home longer,” says Vera. “I enjoy helping and most of all I like the wonderful people who walk here every week. It is nice to see so many friendly faces.”

The walks occur from 3:00 to 4:00 pm after the students have left for the day. The shape of the school allows for various routes with convenient rest stops on the way and walkers who are able can use the stairs and walk two full floors of the building.

“It is an excellent program because it is a safe environment that combines exercise and socialization,” says walker Donna Wetzel. “This is a good way to meet new people and connect with friends. Walking with friends gives me an added incentive to come on those days when I may not feel like it.  In other seasons we do other activities to stay active, but in the winter, you don’t tend to see as many people, and it can get lonely. Time goes by faster when you walk with friends, and you don’t realize how far you have walked. We are all very grateful that this program exists.”