Why students in Waterloo Region decided to ditch the bus and walk to school Wednesday

CTV’s Karis Mapp caught up with some kids who decided to brave the cold and walk to school on Wednesday as part of an annual tradition.

Hundreds of students across Waterloo Region chose to walk to school on Wednesday, instead of taking the bus.

The Winter Walk Day was organized by Transportation Services of Waterloo Region for both the Catholic and public school boards.

“Winter comes no matter what and, especially this year, it really came back with a vengeance,” said Matt Figueiredo, vice principal of St. Gabriel Catholic School in Cambridge. “We want to ensure kids know that even with this weather, we still have to maintain healthy activity not just for our physical selves but for our mental selves. In a Catholic school, our spiritual selves as well.”

Buses still ran as usual on Wednesday, but kids were encouraged to walk if they could.

At St. Gabriel’s, nearly half the student population takes a bus to school every day.

“We’re hoping to have about 100 walkers come and celebrate,” Figueiredo said.

Once they arrived, students were invited to celebrate their accomplishment with some hot chocolate and cookies in the gym.

Families were also invited to join in.

“I’m on the parent council here at the school,” explained Rochell Kaikai, who has two children at St. Gabriel’s. “Anything to get everybody out walking, reducing congestion, it’s great!”

One of the school’s original trophies was handed out to the class with the most walkers.

“We found it and we dusted it off,” said Principal Amy Shantz.

Students, meanwhile, were impressed with the turnout.

“It’s inspiring to see how the school could influence people to walk to school,” said one.