![Smoke billows from the Fort McMurray wildfires as a truck drives down the highway in Kinosis Smoke billows from the Fort McMurray wildfires as a truck drives down the highway in Kinosis, Alberta, Canada, May 5, 2016. REUTERS/Mark Blinch](https://www.netnewsledger.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/Fort-McMurray-2016-05-06T021157Z_1_LYNXNPEC45029_RTROPTP_4_CANADA-WILDFIRE-FORTMCMURRAY.jpg)
![A pink car remains among the ruins of destroyed buildings after wildfires tore through the Waterways area of Fort McMurray, Alberta, Canada May 5, 2016. Courtesy of Brad Readman/Alberta Fire Fighters Association/Handout via REUTERS](https://www.netnewsledger.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/Fort-McMurray-2016-05-06T021157Z_1_LYNXNPEC4502D_RTROPTP_4_CANADA-WILDFIRE-FORTMCMURRAY.jpg)
SIOUX LOOKOUT, ONTARIO – May 9th 2016 – Stanley Barkman from Sachigo Lake First Nation challenged himself to help Fort McMurray and the people who are affected by this devastating wildfire by walking from Sioux Lookout, Ontario to Fort McMurray, Alberta. He hopes to help by raising awareness and funds by walking over 2000 kilometers which will take him over 6 weeks to complete.
This is not the first time that Stanley has walked a long journey to raise awareness and funds but he does admit that this one will be the biggest challenge.
Stanley has done many walk initiatives close to his heart and he admits this walk will be most challenging. He’s asking to help spread his message and for your support and prayers during his journey. You can also help out by joining their Facebook group called “Walking for Fort McMurray, sharing his video https://www.facebook.com/StanB18/videos/1182801508420754/ and hash tagging #WalkingforFortMcMurray.
Stanley says that he is determined to do this walk “To help rebuild Fort McMurray and surrounding communities” If he can help even one or two families or even rebuild a hospital, then this journey will be worth it. Stanley states that “No one deserves to lose their home, neighbourhood or even their town from this devastating wild fire.”
Three other people will accompany him during this journey.
You can support by making a donation to gofund.me/Walk4FortMcMurray to help cover the expenses they will incur and any other dollars raised beyond their expenses will be donated to the Fort McMurray cause. Other payment options include:
- Donations directly with them during the walk
- Donations with your WE Financial prepaid card to user name: Leroy Robert Barkman; account number 4537 4450 0101 7749 expiry 04/21. Donations can be made at any Northern Store.
For more information, please contact Stanley’s father Robert Barkman @ 807.707.5137. For updates and donations, please contact Barb Barkman @ 807.707.5137.
![Sachigo Lake Walkers](https://www.netnewsledger.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/04/Sachigo-Lake-Walkers-Pickle-Lake1.jpg)
About Sachigo Lake
Sachigo Lake has a registered population of 879 people. The First Nation is part of Windigo First Nation Council with its primary affiliation to Nishnawbe-Aski Nation. The community is located approximately 425 kilometers north of Sioux Lookout. Access to Sachigo Lake is provided by a year round airport which is operated by the Ontario Ministry of Transportation and Communication. Regular air service is available to the regional centers of Sioux Lookout, Thunder Bay and Winnipeg. Sachigo Lake airport is located approximately 2.8 kilometers to the main community. Road access between the airport and Sachigo Lake is by one gravel, winter road.