99-year-old Ontario man raises money for coronavirus with 100 km walk

A 99-year-old Newmarket man is taking time out of every day to reach his goal of walking 100 kilometres by next spring—in time for his 100th birthday, according to City News.

George Markow walks in the gardens behind his Newmarket retirement home with the aid of his walker. He enjoys the walks as they are a way to stay healthy and active but he also has a goal to raise money for Southlake and Sunnybrook hospitals. Markow wants to raise a total of $100,000.

“I like to help people, and it goes for a good cause” Markow said to 680 NEWS, adding that almost halfway to his walking goal already.

“I think I’ll make it if I stay healthy.”

Sylvia Perkins is Markow’s daughter and she says he was born in Russia. He served in the Second World War after being drafted at 19-years-old and was then captured and held for three years in prison camps.

“He has been through some horrific, horrific times,” Perkins says, adding that he has always stayed optimistic.

“He’s risen above it … he says whatever path he took, it was the right one.”

Markow says that he wants to raise money for Southlake and Sunnybrook for many reasons. He and his late wife went to Southlake for many appointments throughout the years and he had brain surgery at Sunnybrook a few years ago which saved his life. To donate to Markow’s cause, you can visit his GoFundMe campaign.