B.C. woman planning to run 'a million steps' for child care

Shelagh Germyn trekking 260 kilometres from Campbell River to Victoria

Campbell River (5 Oct. 2007) - Shelagh Germyn will run "a million steps for child care" on Vancouver Island, starting Oct. 9 in Campbell River and ending 260 kilometres later on Oct. 16 at the British Columbia legislature in Victoria.

The Campbell River marathoner, who has been married for 29 years and has two grown children, is undertaking the long journey on foot to "raise awareness of the urgent need for a quality, affordable and accessible universal early learning and child care system for B.C.'s and Canada's children and families."

Shelagh Germyn's 'million steps for child care'

Communities along the "Million Steps for Child Care" route are organizing local events in support. Vancouver Islanders are invited to join Germyn by biking, running, or walking with her. Residents are also being asked to create banners to welcome Germyn. They will be taken to Victoria and displayed at the legislature at the end of the run. Shelagh Germyn's Itinerary

Germyn attended a town hall meeting earlier this year and heard first hand about the personal impact of provincial and federal cuts to child care. She was so touched by the stories of struggling parents to find affordable child care that she decided to organize the run.

"I love children and I also love to run. So these are inspirations behind my A Million Steps for Child Care run."

NUPGE

The National Union of Public and General Employees (NUPGE) is one of Canada's largest labour organizations with over 340,000 members. Our mission is to improve the lives of working families and to build a stronger Canada by ensuring that our common wealth is used for the common good. NUPGE

Footnote: Shelagh Germyn successfully completed her long journey at the B.C. legislature on Oct. 16. She concluded her trek with a statement slamming the Campbell government for providing inadequate child care.  NUPGE