Savannah-area TV news personality Dal Cannady is walking 97 miles in seven days to raise money for the American Red Cross Heroes fund.
He started just before 9 a.m. Wednesday at the Claxton Chamber of Commerce and will make his way through several Georgia cities in the course of a week, including stops in Walthourville and Hinesville on Monday. Each evening, Cannady will work in a restaurant along his path, serving meals, busing tables or waiting on customers. He donates all his tips to the cause.
Cannady, who will average about 13 miles per day, and the American Red Cross’ Bulloch County branch started the heroes program several years ago. This is his third year walking for the cause.
“The American Red Cross does so much for the community in times of need, and I wanted to get involved in raising funds for the organization,” Cannady said.
He walked from Claxton to Glennville on his first day, stopping by Claxton Elementary School to speak with the students and then breaking to work shifts at the Rusty Pig and Dairy Queen in Glennville. Cannady also waited tables Tuesday night at Harry’s BBQ in Claxton.
“I’m very much looking forward to this journey,” he said. “The first time I walked for the event, I traveled 84 miles, which was in honor of the American Red Cross’ 84th birthday. Last year, I walked 96 miles, and this year I’m walking 97 miles.”
American Red Cross’ Southeast Georgia Chapter assistant emergency-services program manager Mary Roche attended Wednesday morning’s kick-off to cheer Cannady on.
“The money raised from the heroes campaign goes right back into the local communities, allowing the Red Cross to provide shelter, food and clothing to families who are affected by weather-related events, fires or other emergencies and disasters,” she said. “The services the Red Cross provides also allows families to plan future steps on recovering from a disaster.”