AMHERST - Moncton Orthopedics gave Margaret Reid a new lease on life and now, 13 years later, she continues to pay back that debt.
The Collingwood resident participated on Sunday, May 31 in her 13th consecutive Orthopedic Walk in the Hub City, this time leading the parade. Over the years she has raised a total of $54,210 for the cause.
"It's my way of giving back, so hopefully someone else can get the help I got," she said. "Too many people get help and never look back. That's the sad part of today's world."
This year Reid, who had 366 sponsors, raised $5,810 through donations, and from making and selling $400 worth of pies, which have become quite the sought after item.
With flavours ranging from mincemeat to apple, coconut cream and blueberry, she gets many pre-orders and repeat customers looking for her pies
"Everyone wants them," she said. "I tried to quit at 80, but this year they kept calling and calling, and it ended up at 130. Once they have my pies, they want them over and over."
Reid was almost in a wheelchair in 1994, until she went to Moncton for her first knee replacement surgery. She went back for her second knee replacement the following year, and has been walking well ever since. She began walking in the Orthopedic Walk in 1997.
She was one of 100 registered walkers at this year's event, although everyone was joined by friends and family along the route. Joining Reid were her son Wayne, his wife Carma, and her 15-year-old grandson Blaine, who has been walking with her since he was four.
"It was a good walk," she said. "The weather was nice and sunny, and they make it like a big picnic."
Free food and refreshments were provided by Tim Hortons, while other food like hot dogs and pizza was also available at the event.
Reid said she enjoys the whole experience.
"I plan to go back next year if I'm still living," she said, with a chuckle. "Hopefully I will be."
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