By Geoff Smith (@smithco)

“Journey of Healing” to help new children advocacy centre

Sep 23, 2016 | 11:52 AM

You won’t see a pair of headphones on Julie Macklin’s head, when you see her walking this weekend.
 
Macklin, a teacher with Palliser Regional Schools, is travelling the 100 km between Vulcan and Lethbridge on foot, to raise money as well as awareness for the new Southern Alberta Children Advocacy Centre. According to a news release from Palliser Regional Schools, Macklin is no stranger to the route, along Highways 23 and 3. She drives it often, to move between Palliser Hutterite Colony schools.
 
During the walk, called “A Journey of Healing,” she plans to use all five senses to take in the experience. That experience will be used by Macklin to create a piece of art, which will also be donated to the centre, which will provide counselling and other services to help young sexual abuse victims and their families.
 
Macklin says during the walk she will be “alone, but not alone,” a feeling she believes can help sexual abuse victims.
 
Macklin will set out from Vulcan’s County Central High School Saturday, Sept. 24 at 8 a.m. She will spend Saturday night at Barons, and expects to arrive at the Palliser Regional Schools central office around 5 p.m. Sunday.
 
During her walk people can donate to the advocacy centre by texting “WALK” to 80100.