A Dawson Creek woman is lacing up her running shoes for one of the biggest challenges of her life. Amy Kaempf is looking to honour a community leader whose legacy continues to inspire people across the Peace Region.
On July 23, Kaempf will run from Dawson Creek to Fort St. John next week to raise money for Step Up N Ride, a local accessible transportation service that was championed by the late Mona McNally.
Kaempf said the fundraiser is her way of recognizing McNally’s commitment to helping others after her sudden and unexpected death recently.
“We have so many gems in our community, and Mona was definitely one of those,” Kaempf said. “She had a vision with Step Up N Ride, and I want to keep that dream going.”
McNally was known throughout the region for her dedication to community service and her determination to make accessible transportation a reality for residents who needed it.
Kaempf said McNally often found creative ways to help people, even when the solution wasn’t immediately obvious.
Kaempf also remembers McNally’s kindness on a personal level. When Kaempf’s son broke his foot several years ago and required an air cast, McNally arranged for someone to open her business while she was on holiday so the family could get the equipment they needed.
“She was such a giving, willing person for our community,” Kaempf said.
The run is expected to cover close to 80 kilometres, beginning in Dawson Creek and ending in Fort St. John.
Kaempf plans to leave at 6 a.m. and hopes to navigate ongoing highway and bridge construction along the route, including timing her crossing of the Taylor Bridge before evening traffic restrictions take effect.
While the distance presents a significant challenge, Kaempf said McNally’s determination continues to motivate her.
“It’s going to be hard, but I’m going to figure it out,” Kaempf said, recalling the mindset McNally brought to every project she undertook. ”On all those hard moments, I’m going to hear Mona say, ‘It’s hard, but you’re going to do it.’
Kaempf hopes to raise $2,000 for Step Up N Ride. As of this week, she had already collected approximately $850 toward that goal.
Residents who would like to support the fundraiser can make donations by contacting Kaempf at 250-784-4145 or by email at akaempf9@hotmail.com.
The upcoming event marks Kaempf’s fourth charity run. She estimates her previous fundraising efforts have generated roughly $8,000 for local causes, all of them benefiting organizations and initiatives within the Dawson Creek area.
For Kaempf, the run is about more than reaching the finish line.
“All my previous charity runs, Mona always supported me,” she said. “This one’s kind of giving back to her.”