Locally designed walking sticks symbolize a campaign that has led to a $25,000 community action grant from the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Ontario that's aimed at keeping children active and heart-healthy.

The foundation's grant will help launch a major advocacy campaign to establish a regional network of trails, paths, and recreational facilities designed to keep kids physically active.

It will also be used to spearhead a campaign to implement a recognition program for schools being physically active and supporting community physical activity.

"This is a vital moment for our children, our families and our communities," says Karen Armstrong, on behalf of Wellington- Dufferin-Guelph (WDG) in Motion.

"So it is only appropriate that we have a symbol we can rally around and which will tell everybody who we are and what we stand for," she said.

That's why Wellington- Dufferin-Guelph is becoming walking stick country.

"Walking sticks symbolize our commitment to placing the health of our children and the needs of pedestrians ahead of the automobile," Ms. Armstrong said.

"There is an element of real fun - and real motivation - using a walking stick," said Sharon Brodovsky, Senior Manager of the Foundation's Healthy Weights Initiative, the special Foundation project team set up to tackle the problem of maintaining juvenile heart health.

The walking stick is becoming a fashion accessory in the Headwaters area. It is also a tried and true companion on the trail.

It all began when 2,100 kids and their parents in the Wellington North area participated Oct. 3 in a World Record Walk to set a new record for the largest number of people walking one kilometre simultaneously.

Kids and parents were given a certificate of participation entitling them to a free walking stick. They also received a sticker to be attached to it.

"If they continue to walk or cycle on trails they will receive more stickers," explains Karen Armstrong.

"Kids love to be competitive and this gives them a whole series of goals to attain. It's certainly keeping them active."

Sticks are available - free - on a first come, first served basis at Town of Mono municipal office.

The staff at Dufferin Community Living in Orangeville designed the sticks. There is a hole at the top of the handle to which a leather strap is attached. One size fits all.

They are very sturdy, Ms. Armstrong said. And they stand for partnership, local industry and heart health.

Ten healthy things to do with a walking stick:

1. A stick will help you keep your balance when walking over rough country.

2. It can be used to hit balls.

3. It can be used to remove the balls you have hit into trees.

4. Use two sticks and go for a speed walk.

5. Use two sticks and go snow-shoeing.

6. A stick can help you get up when you have been sitting down watching the scenery.

7. You can wave it to attract attention when the kids look as if they are headed for trouble.

8. You can wave it over your head to rally the family.

9. When you have enough stickers you can hang your stick up above the fireplace along with your other trophies.

10. A stick is the perfect conversational icebreaker so you will make new friends next time you take a hike to your local latte emporium.