By Jordan Ferris

Windsorites are cleaning the Ganatchio Trail in memory of a 75-year-old woman who was assaulted last year.

On Oct. 2017, Sara Anne Widholm was left in critical condition after she was assaulted while going for her usual walk on the trail. Widholm was known to go for daily walks and clean up garbage on the trail. To honour the daily dedication Widholm showed to cleaning the trail Windsor community groups, WE put the WIN in Windsor and Eyes on Windsor partnered to create the “Walking in her footsteps” cleanup. This event will have windsorites go along Ganatchio trail on April 21 and clean up garbage.

Laurie Harrison, runs WE put the WIN in Windsor and has taken part in other environmental events such a tree plantings around the city. Harrison said she was planning on starting an environmental campaign two years ago for the Riverside area. When Widholm was assaulted, Harrison said it felt right to name the cleanup in her honour. She said the trail clean up is meant to remember someone who loved their community.

“This isn’t about remembering the tragic thing that happened on that trail,” said Harrison. “What it’s about is learning from what she did and remembering what she did and taking pride in our community just like she would and keeping it clean.”

After the attack, Windsor Mayor Drew Dilkens hosted a walk along the trail to honour Widholm. That walk saw Windsor Police and other groups come out in support. For this year’s cleanup Sgt. Steve Betteridge, the public information officer with Windsor Police, said it is unknown whether an officer will be able to assist. Betteridge said even if officers will not be able to help, they love seeing events like this.

“To see the community still continue to rally and remember [Widholm], that’s a fantastic thing. It’s something that should not be soon forgotten,” said Betteridge “It shows that an assault of that nature and that type – we as a community do not stand for.”

Harrison said she started with a goal of having 100 people sign up to volunteer and take part in the cleanup of the trail. She said she has reached that goal and is hopeful even more people will help at the cleanup. Riverside businesses and the City of Windsor both give their support to the campaign. Betteridge said having strong community support around events like this makes the job of Windsor Police easier.

“Our job is to work with the community to make sure that people who are responsible for crimes are held accountable and brought before the courts,” said Betteridge. “We cannot do that without community support.”

Those wishing to attend the trail clean up are asked to meet at the Ganatchio Trail Little River Road parking lot near the hill just before 9 a.m. Shortly after, instructions will be read and supplies including garbage bags, gloves, water, wet wipes and granola bars will be handed out.

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