Guelph woman aims to take 100 walks before 100th birthday
A 99-year-old Guelph woman, Orpha Thrasher plans to ring in her centennial birthday by raising money for a local charity.
Her goal is to go on 100 walks by the time she turns 100 on Feb. 1, 2022.
Thrasher is almost halfway there and has already raised more than $10,000 for Hope House.
She said she chose to mix walking with a new fundraiser since walking has become part of her daily routine.
“My knees and hips are fine. That’s not to say that they’re going to be fine forever,” said Thrasher.
This week she went on her 40th walk with the executive director of Hope House, who said every penny donated will count.
“We’re just thrilled that she chose us,” said Jaya James, executive director at Hope House. “We have an ease into work program, which supports people as they are returning to the work force. We also have a counselling program that helps people deal with the traumas and difficult experiences they have in life.”
Thrasher said she was inspired by her husband of nearly 65 years who always encouraged her to keep stepping before he passed away.
“It was love at first sight. We married five months later and had five kids,” said Thrasher.
One of her daughters, Ruth Parent, said Thrasher’s walks have lifted her spirits, especially since the pandemic.
“She seems brighter and more enthusiastic,” Parent said.
Thrasher said her secret to longevity isn’t just about staying physically active.
“She does scrabble on the computer. She has crossword puzzles. She keeps up with all the sporting teams,” said Parent.
Thrasher said her advice is don’t smoke, but some things are allowed in moderation.
“I just like a little bit of Sherry before dinner. That’s about it. I don’t mean go on a spree,” laughed Thrasher.
Thrasher said she is grateful for the support she’s received from not only Guelph residents but also those in Waterloo Region.
In the winter months, Thrasher said there’s an indoor track she plans to go to, when necessary.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Documents reveal Ottawa's efforts to get Loblaw, Walmart on board with grocery code
It was evident to the federal government as early as last fall that Loblaw and Walmart might be holdouts to the grocery code of conduct, jeopardizing the project's success.
opinion The special relationship between King Charles and the Princess of Wales
Royal commentator Afua Hagan writes that when King Charles recently admitted Catherine to the Order of the Companions of Honour, it not only made history, but it reinforced the strong bond between the King and his beloved daughter-in-law.
'I just want to be safe': Ukrainian man in Canada faces limbo amid consular freeze
A recent decision to restrict consular services for fighting-aged Ukrainian men has made a Ukrainian man in Canada feel less certain of his next steps — and worried he could be pulled back to the war.
Dozens of U.S. deaths reveal risks of injecting sedatives into people restrained by police
The practice of giving sedatives to people detained by police has spread quietly across the U.S. over the last 15 years, built on questionable science and backed by police-aligned experts, an investigation led by The Associated Press has found.
Improve balance and build core strength with this exercise
When it comes to cardiovascular fitness, you may tend to focus on activities that move you forward, such as walking, running and cycling.
Expert warns of food consumption habits amid rising prices
A new survey by Dalhousie University's Agri-Food Analytics Lab asked Canadians about their food consumption habits amid rising prices.
Charlie Woods, son of Tiger, shoots 81 in U.S. Open qualifier
Charlie Woods failed to advance in a U.S. Open local qualifying event Thursday, shooting a 9-over 81 at Legacy Golf & Tennis Club.
B.C. tenants evicted for landlord's use after refusing large rent increase to take over neighbouring suite
Ashley Dickey and her mother rented part of the same Coquitlam duplex in three different decades under three different landlords.
Mountain guide dies after falling into a crevasse in Banff National Park
A man who fell into a crevasse while leading a backcountry ski group deep in the Canadian Rockies has died.