‘We are so grateful’: Cornerstone’s Walk a Mile raises record-breaking $72K

This year’s Walk a Mile event in support of Cornerstone has raised a record-breaking $72,000-plus. /Cornerstone photo

By editor/reporter Sarah Hyatt

Cornerstone’s 19^th Walk a Mile fundraiser has shattered all previous records, raising more than $72,000.

The Cornerstone Family Violence Prevention Centre’s signature fundraiser was held back at the start of October in downtown Cobourg, but the final tally just announced.

“We are so grateful to everyone who came together to make this year’s Walk a Mile such a success,” said Nancy Johnston, Cornerstone’s executive director. “The incredible support we receive from our community allows us to continue being there for those when they need us most.”

Funds raised through the event mean help for women, kids and youth across Northumberland – and ultimately help strengthen access to Cornerstone’s shelter and housing supports, counselling, violence prevention education, family court support and other essential programs.

Meanwhile, Johnston also earlier told the Independent that the need for Cornerstone’s programs and services only continues to grow.

Last year alone, Cornerstone reported helping more than 2,400 residents across Northumberland.

Walk a Mile has been a long-time success thanks to an outpouring of community support year-after-year – and the 2026 edition represents the highest amount ever raised in the event’s history.

“For (the) total of all 19 years combined – including this year – (this) brings us to $736,500 that Walk a Mile has raised,” Cayne Fordham, Cornerstone’s manager of fundraising and communications, told the Independent after the 2026 total was announced. “This year’s net proceeds (represent) about a 30 per cent increase from last year.”

Cornerstone’s work is only made possible through the ongoing generosity of donors, sponsors, volunteers, and community supporters, highlighted the organization when announcing the $72,000-plus raised this year.

“We want to extend our sincere thanks to everyone who participated, fundraised, donated and helped spread the word about Walk a Mile,” said Johnston. “A heartfelt thank you to our lead sponsor Cameco, as well as Canadian Tire Cobourg, Ontario Line Clearing and Wharram Tree Service, Balder, Dez Capital, and all of our sponsors for making this event possible.”

Cornerstone said the event was supported by several community partners who also helped make the day memorable for participants.

“We are incredibly thankful to the Lions Club of Cobourg and Pulse Coffee House for helping us welcome participants with breakfast and coffee,” added Johnston. “This event could not happen without our community partners – thank you to the Cobourg Fire Department, Cobourg and Port Hope police services, Ontario Provincial Police, the Cobourg Police Service Pipes and Drums, and to everyone who came out and showed their support.”

Walk a Mile is also meant to serve as a show of solidarity and support for women, kids and youth impacted by gender-based violence.