September 7th was World Duchenne Day, and with it came the announcement that the annual Isaac’s Trek for Treats fundraiser would be moving to Downtown Acton in an effort to preserve the event during the COVID-19 pandemic.
For the past three years, Isaac’s Trek for Treats has been held at Tanners Woodlot in the morning the Saturday before Halloween. The event is a kids costume trail “race”, accompanied by a large silent auction and festivities with a DJ and refreshments. The event raises money for Jesse’s Journey which is a Canadian Charity based out of London, Ontario that funds research for Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy. The event was started by the VanAsseldonk family after their son, Isaac, was diagnosed in 2017.
According to the Jesse’s Journey website, “Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is a progressive genetic disorder that gradually weakens the body's muscles. There are different types of muscular dystrophy: Duchenne muscular dystrophy is both the most common childhood form and one of the most severe forms of the disease, affecting one in every 5,000 boys. Most kids with Duchenne are using a wheelchair by the time they are twelve”. The group responsible for Trek for Treats has collectively raised almost $60,000 since the first event.
The move is timely as the Downtown Acton BIA will not have an in-person Trick or Treat on Main and Mill this year, doing an online presentation instead. “It’s tough for the BIA, because we’re a government organization and we have to be more cautious as a result” said Alex Hilson, Coordinator for the BIA. “We’re happy to see other organizations stepping in to do this work for our kids, and we will be supporting them however we can”.
The concept is like a scavenger hunt. Similar to previous years, there will be a registration fee of $5.00 per child which will go to Jesse’s Journey. At registration, parents will be asked to book a time slot between 10:00a.m. and 2:00p.m. This will help organizers collect data for contact-tracing and limit numbers so there is not an overcrowding situation. Registration confirmation will include a ‘map’ that parents can print for the event and a finisher’s certificate that can be personalized and printed. Each stop will have pre-packaged treats (handed out using appropriate PPE) and a photo op. Photographers will be posted along the event and photos/videos collected from the day will be compiled into a video highlighting this year’s event.
Watch the video announcing this event below.
Acton UP spoke with one of the event organizers, Sarah Hiseman, “We have had such great support from the Acton community and businesses in previous years. Given the pandemic and how hard many people have been impacted financially, we will not be reaching out like we used to for donations. If anyone wishes to donate, prizes (for top fundraiser or best costumes) or cash (to purchase supplies or prizes) are appreciated. We also typically have a few anonymous donors who generously pay for families who otherwise may not be able to attend and we would graciously accept the same this year”. Text or call Sarah at, 905-703-8772 to make donation arrangements.
Registration will open October 1st at https://www.jessesjourney.com/how-you-can-help/upcoming-events/. Organizers wish to thank everyone in advance for continuing to support the event in this new format.
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