The 2024 El Camino Maitland fundraiser was a resounding success! With 273 registered hikers, the event brought together outdoor enthusiasts of all ages to experience the beauty of our trails and celebrate the vibrant hiking community we have here in Huron County and beyond.
The event saw participation across a wide range of age groups:
Under 18: 9 hikers
20-39: 39 hikers
40-59: 130 hikers
60-79: 92 hikers
Over 79: 1 hiker, our dedicated Patrick Capper.
We were thrilled to welcome 40 hikers from Goderich itself, 68 participants from across Huron County towns like Bayfield, Blyth, Clinton, Seaforth, and Wingham, and an impressive 165 hikers from outside of the county. Visitors came from Barrie, Burlington, the GTA area, Kitchener, London, Midland, Niagara Falls, Orillia, Sarnia, St. Catharines, and Woodstock, showcasing just how beloved our trails are across the region.
At checkpoints along the trail, apples, oranges, bananas, and a variety of granola bars were provided to keep everyone energized. We were able to donate the remaining apples and granola bars to the Women’s Shelter and Food Bank in Goderich, further extending the positive impact of this event into the local community.
The feedback from hikers was overwhelmingly positive, with many expressing their deep appreciation for the incredible work the Maitland Trail Association does in maintaining the trails, ensuring they remain safe, clean, and enjoyable for all.
This event would not have been possible without the dedication and hard work of many individuals.
Thank you to all our hikers, volunteers, and supporters for making this year’s event one to remember!
A special thank you goes out to the generous landowners whose properties the trail passes through. Your support and willingness to share your land allow this event to happen, and we are deeply grateful for your contribution to the hiking community.
The video below was created using Facebook photos from these Camino participants. We appreciate those who shared their photos with us:
Photo Credits: Frances Spaling, Heather Lobb Decker, Jacqui Denomme, Janine Lunn, Jenny Langendoen, Josee Boissonneault, Kandyce Affleck, Karen Melady, Krista Jay, Magda Krzywinska, Marnie McDonough, Monika Metzger, Patrick Capper, Rachel Lynn, Tony Pemberton
We extend our sincere gratitude to the following volunteers who contributed to the success of this year's Camino. These volunteers were involved in equipment setup and take down, parking, check-in, busing, checkpoints, and check-out.
Special thank you to:
Bert Dirven for his extra help on Saturday
Lower Maitland Stewardship Group, for their amazing baked goods & hospitality
We also thank the Town of Goderich, Zehrs and Culligan Water for their support.
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