Six months after an elderly woman was viciously attacked while walking along the Ganatchio Trail in Windsor, the community is coming together for a cleanup in her honour.
"We used to see Anne walk by nearly every day cleaning up litter," says organizer Laurie Harrison. "I was going to be doing this environmental cleanup anyways and to do it in Anne's honour, somebody who did this and actually inspired other people to do it as well... it just seemed like a perfect fit."
Anne Widholm was walking along the trail last October when she suffered life-threatening injuries in the attack.
The incident shocked many in the community and prompted Mayor Drew Dilkens to hold a walk of solidarity one week later.
Police charged 21-year-old Habibullah (Daniel) Ahmad with aggravated assault initially and then upgraded his charge to attempted murder as it became apparent how severe Widholm's injuries were.
She remains in the hospital.
Harrison says despite the brutality, many people still enjoy the trail.
"After it happened people were a little bit hesitant to use the trail," she says. "But, most of the people I spoke with, they said 'you know, it's not going to stop me from coming on this trail. It's a beautiful trail. It could have happened anywhere.' But, in using the trail we've gotta make sure it stays clean."
Harrison says she enjoys taking part in community cleanups and uses the Ganatchio Trail on a regular basis. After speaking with Widholm's son, Kristofer, it was decided the event would be held to highlight Widholm's environmental efforts.
"He said, 'This is something she would have been out doing anyways. This is something she would have been proud of, so we're actually proud you're going to put her name on this," says Harrison.
Those interested in taking part in "Walking in her Footsteps: Ganatchio Trail Cleanup Honouring Anne Widholm" are asked to meet at 9am Saturday, April 21 in the parking lot in Riverside Kiwanis Park on Little River Rd.