Candland Crosses Prince William on Charity Walking Tour

PRINCE WILLIAM COUNTY, Va. — Supervisor Peter Candland walked 33 miles across Prince William County to raise cash for charity, and to meet residents.

Before he began his walk from Woodbridge to Haymarket on Saturday, Candland consulted with an organization called “Rise Up Prince William” who helped him identify six area organizations to work with on this endeavor, raising cumulative $30,000 for the following organizations:

Azalea Charities

SERVE

ACTS

Hilda Barg Homeless Prevention Center

Officer Chris Yung Fund

Youth Apostles Institute-Don Bosco Center

Lance Cpl. Nick and Samantha Thom of Homes for Our Troop fund

But along his path, dubbed the “Walk for Prince William,” Candland, who represents the Gainesville District on Prince William’s western side, was joined by fellow Supervisor Mike May for the first seven-mile leg of the journey. It was a change for the newest member of the Board to get to know a veteran, as well as learn more about the eastern side of the county.

He was also joined by Prince William police officer Greg Bass who helped keep him motivated throughout the entire walk.

“I drive through the eastern part of the county, but you don’t get to know the people unless you’re on the street level. We’ve done a good job connecting pedestrians with sidewalks and trails,” said Candland.

There are exceptions, said Candland, especially along the U.S. 1 corridor where major sidewalk improvements are planned.

Candland started his walk at the homeless prevention center in Woodbridge and made his way up Smoketown Road, to Prince William Parkway, and then to the county’s government center. From there he continued on the parkway to Manassas, down Wellington Road to the Youth Apostles Institute-Don Bosco Center, and then onto Prince William’s Western District Police Station where he met colleagues of fallen Prince William County Police officer Chris Yung who died New Year’s Eve 2012.

From there he took Sudley Manor Drive to Linton Hall Road until he reached Haymarket, where more than 50 people were waiting for him at the finish line. The walk started at 6 a.m. and finished at 6:35 p.m. Saturday.

Along the way, he heard from people who want lower taxes, he said. He also noted the shrinking rural area between Woodbridge and Manassas, and said the county is growing in different areas, but overall, is growing together.

Candland, who is a frequent jogger, said he made sure to run and walk to prepare for the event.

“I shed off “supervisor pounds” that I put on after the election [in 2011], and lost 15 pounds getting ready for event just by getting out walking and running,” said Candland.

A Walk for Prince William will be scheduled again next year in hopes even more people participate, he added.