By Lee Butler
Posted 2 days ago
Spruce Grove’s volunteering enthusiast Pat Beaudoin is back at it again.
She travelled to Brazil earlier this year to participate in her fourth marathon/walk raising donations to find a cure for diabetes.
So far, Beaudoin has risen close to $40,000 dollars towards diabetes research throughout her major marathons. During her trek she has partnered with Team Diabetes of the Canadian Diabetes Association.
The inspiration behind Beaudoin’s generous use of her time begins close to home.
Fourteen of her family members suffer from the diabetes disease and some have experienced dire physical consequences.
Although her family was the catalyst for her fundraising, her generosity and kindness know no limits.
“It’s very inspiring doing stuff like this so I can help the community and help to find the cure. That’s why I’m really gung-ho, because I do so much volunteering and it’s just fun helping people,” Beaudoin explained.
Torrential rains poured in on those set to begin the walk in Brazil.
Despite the conditions, Beaudoin battled the elements and finished her six-kilometer walk in a time of 45 minutes.
“It was very wild, wet and windy. We were right along the ocean, and it was like the ocean was angry at us,” Beaudoin said.
The conditions weren’t ideal for the marathon, but she insists that Brazil is still one of the most beautiful countries she’s competed in so far.
“Rio de Janeiro was beautiful. I’d say it’s the safest country I’ve been in. I was in Copacabana Beach, and I’ve been in Athens and Italy. For safeness, there was no problem at all. It’s beautiful there.”
Beaudoin has raised money for her trek in a number of different ways.
This past January she put on a concert for diabetes that brought in over $4,000. Friends and locals got together to perform classic country music for the event.
In Stony Plain she organized a curling “Fun Speil” that raised around $2,000. She also receives donations from her clients at Central Hair in Spruce Grove.
Last year Beaudion received the prestigious Spruce Grove Rotary Club Integrity Award, and was awarded $1,000 dollars for her cause. Thompson Bros. Construction also chipped in to help by donating $500, giving her fundraising total a good boost before the marathon began.
Her volunteering isn’t limited to diabetes fundraising. Beaudoin runs 50/50 draws for the local Saints, Eagles and Regals hockey teams and other events. She could be seen this past weekend living it up at the Blueberry Bluegrass and Country Music festival selling tickets for their 50/50 draw.
Beaudoin is currently campaigning once again to raise money for a marathon in Edinborough, Scotland this upcoming May. She will be hosting another concert fundraiser on October 20 at the Horizon Stage in Spruce Grove.
The help and support Beaudoin provides to the community is a selfless service. She understands that eventually she may need assistance in the future from other kind-hearted individuals like herself.
“It’s nice because someday I might need help myself.”
lee.butler@sunmedia.ca
Twitter: @Lee_RepEx1
Advertisement
