EMC News - Nisha Mapara takes pride in doing more than what is required of her.

She is the co-ordinator of the Mall Walkers program at Hazeldean Mall, and a recent recipient of a Good Neighbour Award from the Glen Cairn Community Association. (GCCA)

She has been walking almost daily for the past 20 years in the mall. Sponsored by The City Of Ottawa and The Hazeldean Mall, the Mall Walkers are a group who walk on a regular basis in the mall for exercise. The Mall Walking program is about getting healthy by walking a measured distance in a safe environment.

Most of all it's about the camaraderie among the walkers.

And that's where Nisha Mapara makes all the difference.

A regular member of the group for the past eight years, Moe Wright nominated Mapara for the Good Neighbour Award.

"We have an unbelievably wonderful Coordinator," he said. "Nisha goes far beyond any job description in making everyone welcome, providing health encouragement, comforting the distraught, and much more. She has hosted a yoga exercise class in her home for many years, and has provided translation services for immigrants who are not yet fluent in English."

In nominating Nisha for a Good Neighbour Award, Wright made it clear to the GCCA that he understood there is a 'paid work' portion of Nisha's community contribution, however, he said that was only a small part of her presence.

"Her contributions to our community go far beyond her paid duties, both at the mall and outside," said GCCA president Allan Hubley. "The GCCA agrees that is what makes Nisha very special to many folks and worthy of recognition by our community."

Flattered by the accolades and humbled by the praise, Mapara takes it all in stride.

"Honestly I didn't feel worthy of this award," she said. "I do what I love the most - interacting with people, bringing happiness around by spreading the positive attitude among my friends."

In presenting the Good Neighbour Award, Hubley praised Mapara as being "exactly the kind of person we all appreciate in a neighbour and one of the many reasons people love to call Glen Cairn home."

For Mapara, being helpful and neighbourly comes naturally.

"I don't think I am making any extra effort... I am doing what any human being should do for each other, make this world a pleasure to live in," she said.

Mall Walking takes place Monday to Friday from 7:30 a.m. until 10:30 a.m. A year-round program, walkers can come any time during this period, walk as long as they want, at what ever pace they choose and leave when they want to leave.

"As a mall walker, I love how I feel after I have done my walk... energetic, flexible and happy to be around friends, sharing laughs, learning from each other," said Mapara. "As part of the program, I regularly bring in speakers to address topics related to health. Also, the Mall Walkers have come together to contribute to the community, by participating in local events like parades and fundraising for local causes."

There are about 200 people who participate in the Hazeldean program. It's free to join, though walkers must sign a waiver.

"When they join the program, they get a name tag and medical form to fill out and keep in their name tag holder. After six weeks of regular walking they earn a T- shirt," said Mapara. "We give them log cards to record their kilometres walked. It is open to all ages and all types of people, and we have a mixed range of ages."

"It is good for your heart, keeps your blood pressure / cholesterol in control, helps keep your diabetes in control, good for arthritis and many other benefits. All you need is a good pair of walking shoes and you are on your way to get healthier!"

According to Wright, Mall Walkers are "everyday folks who happen to take particular interest in regular exercise in support of their own personal health regimen, and who also enjoy the added benefit of great social contact with an exciting potpourri of very delightful personalities. Mall walkers gather at malls, in different communities around the city, at times of their own choosing.... usually, but not exclusively, very early on weekday mornings. Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays are the more popular days, but a significant number attend daily. There are several malls in the greater Ottawa area that host walkers. However, I understand our Hazeldean Mall is the most active in the city, and that distinction is hugely due to our graciously inviting, encouraging and supportive 'Den Mother', co-ordinator Nisha Mapara."

That kind of praise helps to keep Mapara going.

"Mall Walking among friends brings joy in our lives and we constantly learn from each other. I can truly say that Mall Walking program at The Hazeldean Mall is not only a lifeline for many of my walkers but it is for me too! It is something I look forward to every morning when I get up.

"I will continue to do this as long as I physically can. It has made a huge difference in my life. 20 years ago I was told to look into wheelchairs for myself because Rheumatoid Arthritis had almost crippled me, but now I can walk as well as most of my fellow mall walkers."

Anyone interested in learning more about the program can contact Nisha Mapara by phone at 613-591-1294 or email nikaim@rogers.com.

"They can also just show up at the mall (in the food court area) and I will register them."

David Johnston is a freelance writer currently on assignment for the EMC.
Article available online
www.emckanata.ca/20100617/news/Mall+walker+wins+Good+Neighbour+Award