Mayor Randy Hibberd walking around town to raise money

If Weiser Mayor Randy Hibberd is seen walking around town in October, it is for a purpose.
 This month, the mayor is participating in the Blue Cross of Idaho Foundation for Health Mayor’s Walking Challenge. More than 80 mayors across the state are participating in the challenge, said a press release from Blue Cross.
 The challenge requires each mayor participating to meet an average of at least 5,000 steps per day. Mayors register and are then given a Fitbit to track steps taken. The mayors who meet the challenge earn $1,000 from the Blue Cross of Idaho Foundation for Health to put toward their community.
 “This is a way for Blue Cross and for mayors to encourage people to adopt healthy lifestyles,” said  Hibberd. “[Mayors] lead by doing.”
 The money earned and donated will be dedicated to the Weiser Memorial Hospital’s own fundraising efforts toward installing exercise equipment in City Park. The equipment is designed for parks, requires little maintenance, will provide a full body work out and will be intended to also encourage healthy living.
 “Mothers can exercise while watching their kids play on the playground equipment,” said  Hibberd. “People on their lunch hour can go work out, or people walking around town can use it as a stop to complete their exercising.”
 The challenge will also help in identifying sidewalks in Weiser that need repair, said  Hibberd.
 During his campaign, Hibberd said he made a goal for himself to go to every door in town and sidewalk repair was noted as a need. The challenge will provide the opportunity to identify sidewalk areas in Weiser needing the most attention.
 “I learned a long time ago that if you want to do something and make an effect, look around at what’s already happening,” said  Hibberd.
 A health needs assessment conducted by the Weiser Memorial Hospital found that obesity is a major health issue for Weiser. Anything that can be done to promote healthier lifestyles and can be contributed to productivity is positive, said  Hibberd.
 2020 is the third year the challenge has been offered statewide. Over the past two years, Idaho mayors have earned $130,000 toward their communities, according to the press release. Funds have been dedicated to projects including playground equipment and crosswalk improvements.
 “There are so many benefits to…productivity,” said  Hibberd. “It helps with mental health. It helps with a whole range of things.”
 In the past, the Blue Cross has encouraged mayors to invite others to join in the challenge and walk. However, with the COVID-19 pandemic, the option is not available for this year. The Blue Cross of Idaho Foundation for Health is a nonprofit charitable foundation established in 2001 by Blue Cross of Idaho. The Foundation is dedicated to addressing the root causes to some of Idaho’s most pressing health concerns.
 

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