Media Release: Cheryl Duffy Memorial Walk Announced (Sept. 9, 2022)
Posted on 09/09/2022
Image a person tying their sneakers lace.For Immediate Release: September 9, 2022

The Stratford Youth Centre is honored to announce the creation of a new annual event in the Town of Stratford being held in memory of an amazing person who was heavily involved in the creation of the Stratford Youth Centre Program.

Cst. Cheryl Duffy was a 30-year veteran of the RCMP who worked in various detachments across PEI. During her time with the RCMP’s Major Crimes Unit, Cheryl was awarded the Queens Diamond Jubilee Medal for her service. Cheryl was a selfless, community-minded person who was passionate about helping others. She understood the importance that community could have on local youth. After having two boys of her own, she was an instrumental member in founding the Stratford Youth Centre and her focus on youth involvement in the community made such a difference in the lives of so many young people.

The 1st Annual Cheryl Duffy Memorial Walk will be taking place as part of Stratford Fall Fest, on Saturday, September 24th at Cotton Park. Participants can register as individuals or in teams and choose from 3 different distances: 1km, 2km or 5km. There is no registration fee to participate however participants are asked to help with fundraising for the event. Fundraising options include selling raffle tickets, collecting donations or creating your own unique fundraiser. Participants are encouraged to register in advance, but registrations will also be accepted onsite the day of the event. This event is open to all ages and abilities, and we encourage everyone to come out and celebrate Cheryl's life. Following the event, we welcome those that knew and loved Cheryl to share their stories and memories.

In honor of Cheryl’s commitment to her community and improving the lives of so many young people, the Stratford Youth Centre is establishing an educational award in her name. The Cst. Cheryl Duffy Stratford Youth Centre Service Award will be issued annually to Youth Centre member(s) attending post secondary education to assist with tuition costs. The award winners will be selected based on community service and their involvement with the Stratford Youth Centre.

With the support of her family and the Stratford Youth Centre, the Cheryl Duffy Memorial Walk will now be held annually to remember and honor Cheryl and all she has done for our community with all funds raised from this event going towards funding the new educational award program and assisting the Stratford Youth Centre in funding for programs, equipment and initiatives.

Anyone wishing to make a financial donation to the event can do so on the event GoFundMe Page: “2022 Cheryl Duffy Memorial Walk”. The community is invited to follow our Facebook event page for more information on the event by searching: "2022 Cheryl Duffy Memorial Walk"


-30-

For more information please contact:

Wendy Watts, Community & Business Engagement Manager
Town of Stratford
Phone: (902) 569-1995
Email: [email protected]

Duane Pineau, Youth and Family Coordinator
Town of Stratford
Phone: (902) 569-1995
Email: [email protected]