What started as a simple walking path for his wife during the COVID-19 pandemic has turned into a heartfelt fundraising campaign for Mike Herzog. For five years, he has been mowing pathways and giant symbols—including a massive heart—into a field in Ottawa's hydro corridor, all to raise money for the University of Ottawa Heart Institute Foundation.
A Labor of Love
When Genevieve Herzog, an occupational therapist, worked on the front lines during the pandemic, she often walked through an overgrown stretch of the hydro corridor. Her husband, Mike, cut a small path for her. The next day, on a whim, he carved a heart into the field.
“It really was an expression of love for my wife and all the wonderful heroes who were front-line workers amid COVID, where we had no idea what it meant,” Herzog said.
Later that evening, he saw an elderly couple walking hand-in-hand through the trail. They told him, “Isn’t this nice? We would have never gone through this corridor if it weren’t for the path.” Herzog added, “That really cemented my compulsion for continuing to do it, realizing that my mowing was accessibility.”
From Paths to Fundraising
Five years later, Herzog still maintains the paths, which stretch about 2.5 kilometers between The Perley and Rideau Veterans’ Health Centre and Alta Vista Road. He has also carved a peace sign, a smiley face, and a massive heart into the grass, representing his motto: “Peace, love and happiness.”
His efforts now support the University of Ottawa Heart Institute Foundation through a campaign called “Cuts 4 Cardiac Care.” Herzog has raised over $6,000 so far.
A Personal Connection
Herzog’s motivation is deeply personal. “They directly elongated my grandfather’s life, and they’ve been doing the same for my father,” he said. His father has been a Heart Institute patient for more than 35 years, undergoing two open-heart surgeries and receiving a pacemaker.
“Honestly, the last two, three years have been an absolute gift of time and we are forever grateful,” Herzog said. “How can I not be compassionate and want to do all that I possibly can for an institution that has given me the gift of time with the most important people?”
Community Support
Lianne Laing, president of the University of Ottawa Heart Institute Foundation, expressed gratitude for Herzog’s efforts during the institute’s 50th anniversary year. “We’re really aware when people are doing things like this for us, and we want to be able to help support them in the best ways we can,” she said.
Herzog has never accepted payment for his work, despite offers from residents. “I have never taken a penny of any of the money to do anything. My contribution is my time,” he said.
Neighbour Simon Roth noted the pathways foster community pride. “I feel like the pathways have a way of reminding us of community and that people are there, just willing to help out from the deepest part of their heart,” Roth said.
