Pictou County Gutsy Walk raises more than $15K

NEW GLASGOW, N.S. — Raincoats and umbrellas abounded at this year’s Pictou County Gutsy Walk, which saw large a turnout despite heavy rain at times. 
“We were just overwhelmed because we were not thinking that many people would be out,” said Nancy Hollis, who helped organize the event with her husband Mike.
This year’s local event raised more than $15,200, which Mike Hollis said is one of, if not the highest, they have ever seen.
Investors Group had a barbecue set up after the walk and prizes were handed out for those with pledge sheets, Hollis said, and the Telephone Pioneers did registration. But this year’s event owes a large part of its success to a new young team called the Cooper Troopers.
“The good amount raised and the equally good turnout was mainly due to Cooper and his Cooper Troopers with their colourful T-shirts and we thank them very much,” Hollis said.
Nancy said it’s great to see some younger people become involved.
Amanda Woodburn, Maritime development coordinator for Crohn’s and Colitis Canada thanked Mike and Nancy Hollis for their more than 20 years of dedication to fundraising and raising awareness in Pictou County for Crohn’s and Colitis. This will be their last year organizing the event.
Nancy and Mike said they hope their efforts have created more awareness in the area. They hope in the future more money will be given to research to find a cure.
This year’s turnout and amount raised offers hope for the future.