Walking for the Restorium: Eli Pine.

BONNERS FERRY — You’ve probably seen him out walking around town.

Eli Pine, 27, walks every day from Three Mile area to Bonners Ferry. Before he walked because he has an eye condition and doesn’t feel comfortable driving. Now he walks to raise money for the Friends of the Restorium.

Since working as a caregiver the past two years at the Boundary County Restorium, the last county-owned assisted living facility in the state, Pine said he has seen the needs of the residents. Since the start of COVID-19, the Restorium had to take extra measures to protect the vulnerable population by limiting guests.

“We were their family for two years. We are their full support. Typically in caregiving, we don’t want to get too attached to the residents, but in the past two years we have become each other's family,” he said.

It was hard on Pine and other caregivers at the Restorium when they lost seven residents in October through December in 2021 due to COVID-19.

“We lost four residents in four days, once COVID got into the building,” Pine said.

He said the staff provide for the residents needs, but these last two years have taught him that the residents also need an outlet and something to look forward to.

The Friends of the Restorium is an all-volunteer 501(c)3 non-profit group. Formed in 2004, its mission is to enhance and support the life quality of Restorium residents with financial support and resources. Funds provide extras not in the Boundary County budget such as holiday celebrations and gifts, entertainment, and a handicap accessible van for recreation and medical appointments.

Jeanie Robinson, president of The Friends of the Restorium, said that the residents have fun and have a community of people their age. Families can be assured that they are cared for and have a good time.

Pine’s recognition in the community started on a social media page. He had heard a lot of people were wondering why that guy in glasses was always walking, so he introduced himself and shared his story.

Mark Carey of Shelman Realty said that he first heard about Pine from his social media post.

“He is an inspiration to all ages in what he does and how he loves our seniors. It is immensely Christian,” Carey said. “When I found out his story it moved me and will move others.”

Shelman Realty has partnered with The Friends of the Restorium to support Pine’s walking. For every mile he walked in the month of February, Shelman Realty donated a dollar to The Friends of the Restorium. In February alone, he walked 372 miles. Shelman Realty has committed to supporting Pine’s walking for the month of March as well.

Pine consistently walks 10 miles a day, seven days a week. He said he enjoys walking to do his errands. He said due to his walking habit he goes through shoes every six to eight weeks.

Pine has agreed to continue logging his walking mileage which Shelman Realty, Dyck’s Chevron and Three Mile Corner will post on their reader boards on U.S. 95.

Shelman Realty challenges other businesses to come alongside and support Pine’s walking for The Friends of the Restorium.

“There is power in people. We have to give them that opportunity to give whether it is a little or a lot, we work together,” Carey said.

“Working in this field has made me realize that we have to make every moment count,” Pine said.

When walking he will often be listening to songs like Kenny Chesney’s “Don’t Blink,” to remind him to make his time count.