PRESQUE ISLE, HOULTON and FORT KENT, Maine — On Thursday, May 25, the Pregnancy Care Centers of Aroostook will hold the annual Walk for Life simultaneously in Presque Isle, Houlton and Fort Kent.
All events will begin with registration at 6:30 p.m. Walks will start at 7 p.m. from the Pregnancy Care Centers in Fort Kent, 272 W. Main St., and Houlton, 56 Military Street, and from the Sargent Family Community Center in Presque Isle.
This is a 2-mile, police-escorted walk, rain or shine. Walkers raise funds by collecting pledges, recording sponsors and amounts.
“We really need the community to help us out,” said PCC Executive Director Christie Corey. “Last year our walk was way down. Please consider helping us out this year by walking and asking people to sponsor you.”
Corey said she made a request on Facebook and within a couple of days raised $735, adding that Houlton director Kinda Hall began a similar effort and raised $350 in about 24 hours.
“I am hoping we can raise about $25,000 this year. In advance, I want to say thank you to those who are walking and those who are giving,” said Corey.
Walk for Life is one of three fundraisers that financially support the centers and provide free services to women and their families. Funds raised will go to provide free pregnancy tests, maternity and infant clothing, parenting classes, material assistance (diapers, wipes, toiletry items), counseling for women who are seeking healing from a past abortion, as well as the Give Moms Credit Program, where moms can earn baby furniture by attending parenting classes, watching educational videos and completing Bible studies.
“We are so excited to have a new series of videos we purchase as a result of a grant given by the Presque Isle Rotary,” said Corey. The videos will educate women on prenatal health, alcohol and pregnancy, how to stop smoking, emotional health, positive discipline, emotional attachment, self care for moms, and what babies need from dads.
“We also have a Survivor Intervention Program which is designed to equip young people with the tools necessary to face the current pressures they encounter daily,” she said.
To request a sponsor sheet, go online to www.pcc-hope.org. Walkers unable to walk on that date may walk on their own and drop off sponsor sheet and donations at any PCC office. For more information or to sponsor a walker, contact Corey at 554-8396.
