‘Humanity has no side’: Walk spreads peace throughout Windsor

Dozens came out to a peace walk in Windsor on Saturday.

In a bid to spread peace, a procession of bundled-up walkers silently strolled through the heart of Windsor on Saturday morning.

Organized as the Windsor Peace Walk, approximately 88 people walked with the goal of being mindful, present, and peaceful.

Beginning at the Great Canadian Flag, walkers braved through blustery winds at times and icy sidewalks on a journey that stretched nearly five kilometres.

“We’re super happy that 88 people showed up in this freezing cold weather and walked for the whole walk with us, because all they want is peace and they want kindness and compassion,” said Tracey Rogers, a co-organizer of the walk.

Inspiration for the event stems from a 120-day U.S. Walk for Peace, created by Buddhist monks.

Spreading awareness of inner peace and mindfulness along the way, that 2,300-mile walk is set to end this week.

Rogers noted that after hosting a shorter walk a few weeks ago in Windsor, they wanted to open the opportunity to more people.

Not politically charged or “on either side,” Rogers said, the event was intended to have people focus on what they want in the world.

“There is no side. Humanity has no side. We just all want peace,” Rogers said.

Throughout the journey that spanned Wyandotte Street West and Riverside Drive, cars honked and stopped to allow the Peace Walk to proceed.

Organizers handed out flowers to many drivers to further spread the message.

“We handed out flowers to anybody we passed, didn’t say a word,” said Kim Klyn, a co-organizer of the walk.

“They take what they can get out of that flower, which was a symbol of peace and love from us to them, and pay it forward.”

While Saturday’s walk coincided with the end of the U.S. walk, organizers in Windsor said they may organize another event in the spring to continue spreading peace.