ABOYNE – When Rajvir Khanuja’s grandfather was taken to hospital by ambulance in the middle of the night with COVID-19, fear rippled through his family.
It was 2020, COVID-19 was new, and people were dying from this mysterious disease.
“I heard the sirens, and the paramedics came in wearing protective suits,” Khanuja recalled.
“And we couldn’t go to the hospital at the time, just talk on the phone. It was pretty new and pretty scary.”
His grandfather eventually got better and returned home and now, to show his gratitude for all the doctors, nurses and other health care professionals who cared for him, the 16-year-old Brampton student is walking to raise money for hospitals.
“I want to honour the healthcare workers,” he said in an interview outside Groves Memorial Community Hospital on June 2 after giving $1,000 to the hospital’s foundation.
“They risked everything to protect people’s lives. They are inspiring and I am grateful,” he said.
Khanuja decided to walk 10km on every long weekend in 2023 – 100km in total – and dedicate each walk to a different hospital. Thanks to some generous sponsors, he’s already given away $4,000.
On Easter weekend in April, Khanuja and his family set out on foot from Groves hospital for their 10km walk and on June 2 he returned to Groves with a $1,000 cheque.
His first walk was on New Year’s Day and he walked for Brampton Civic Hospital.
His second walk was on Family Day and he walked for Headwaters Health Care Centre in Orangeville.
On Victoria Day he walked for Scarborough General and he has scheduled walks six more walks, concluding on New Year’s Day 2024.
He says he prefers walking in cold weather than the recent heat, but he’s determined to complete his mission, whatever the weather.
“I get a positive reaction all the time,” he said. “The hospitals sure are happy.”
Lori Arsenault, executive director of the Groves Hospital Foundation, said even though the new hospital opened in 2020, the equipment is not necessarily new and constantly and regularly needs updating.
She said Groves is currently fundraising for surgical equipment, and to expand its emergency department and obstetrics unit.
Khanuja’s father is Dr. Raj Khanuja, a dentist who offers free one-day dental clinics at his clinic locations, including Castlemore Dental in Fergus and Hillsburgh.
“I’m inspired by my dad,” Khanuja said. “I help at those clinics and I plan on being a dentist too.”
For his part, Raj Khanuja couldn’t be more proud.
“You have to inspire by actions, not just words,” said the proud father. “If Rajvir inspires even one other kid, that’s an amazing feeling.
“Sooner or later we all need the hospital.”
For more information about Khanuja’s 100-km walk club, visit www.100kmsclub.com.
