Southlake Regional Health Centre is only partially funded by the government, and with the new provincial budget promising increases in spending that fall below the rate of inflation, the hospital more than ever needs the support of its community.
In particular, vital tools and equipment – from beds, to the state-of-the-art digital imaging required to maintain leading-edge care - are not covered by government funding.
The Nature’s Emporium Run for Southlake is a five-kilometre timed run and walk taking place on April 28 that raises funds for the Southlake Regional Health Foundation and the hospital’s ongoing needs.
Last year’s sold-out event saw 1,500 participants, including community members, past and current patients, their families and friends, and physicians and staff at Southlake head down Davis Drive, underneath the iconic Southlake bridge. They ran, jogged, walked, and even jumped the route - and this year, organizers are hoping for even more support.
Teams play a big part in the fundraising – including municipal teams that vie for the coveted Mayor’s Cup. Every municipality within the hospital’s catchment area participates in the challenge, with the team that raises the most in donations taking home the trophy.
Once again, Bradford West Gwillimbury will be fielding a town team. At the moment, only Mayor Rob Keffer and Deputy Mayor James Leduc have registered for the run – but the real push to get participants signed up and to raise money will begin after next week’s council meeting.
“With the fast-paced rate of change in health care, it is important to support Southlake’s initiatives to stay at the forefront of patient care,” said Keffer, encouraging residents to sign up, raise funds, and come out.
All registered participants receive a free technical T-shirt, race kit, bib, finishing medal, finish line photo, free parking, and access to the Athlete’s Village. There will be live entertainment and a Kids Zone, with bouncy castle and face-painting, as part of the day's activities.
The run starts and finishes at the Newmarket Seniors’ Meeting Place, 474 Davis Dr. Road closures begin at 8 a.m., opening ceremonies start at 8:15 a.m., the run/walk at 9 a.m., in “corrals” determined by speed. Parking is free at the Tannery Mall, 465 Davis Dr., but note: access to the parking lot will be closed from 8:15 a.m. to 10 a.m.
To register, participants must visit runforsouthlake.ca. There will be no registration on the day. All participants under 12 years of age must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. Please, no scooters, bikes or pets on the course.
Registration fee is $20 for youth under 18, or $54 for all other participants ($64 during race week).
The Southlake Foundation, established in 1980, has raised more than $100 million for Southlake Regional Health Centre – and hopes to continue to raise funds, to fill the gaps in funding.
More charity runs and walks coming up:
Hike for Hospice, for Matthews House Hospice. A fundraising walk for Matthews House takes place at the Adjala-Tosorontio Administration grounds, 7855 Sideroad 30 in Adjala-Tos on May 5. Check in at 10 a.m.; the hike begins at noon. Prizes, barbecue for participants, music. Register at matthewshousehospice.ca/upcoming-events.
Hike for Hospice, for Margaret Bahen Hospice, and Doan House Hospice, both in Newmarket. On May 5, come to Fairy Lake Park in Newmarket to Hike for Hospice. Registration starts at 9:30 a.m.; the hike – around Fairy Lake, or walk to the Margaret Bahen Hospice, located at Southlake – starts at 11 a.m. Includes a barbecue, face-painting and more.
Mandarin M.S. Walk. Help support multiple-sclerosis research, education and advocacy at the Mandarin MS Walk in Newmarket, May 5 – starting at Riverwalk Commons. Checkin begins at 8:30 a.m.; walk begins at 9:30 a.m. Register as an individual or a team. This year’s goal is to raise $55,000 for the MS Society of Ontario. See MS Walk online to register.
Relay for Life. Together we are bigger than cancer! Bradford District High School will be hosting a Relay for Life fundraiser for the Cancer Society of Canada, May 31 from 4-9 p.m. See relayforlife.ca/bradford to register or donate, or contact Jennifer Brake at the school, [email protected].
Walk for Chiari. Raise money and awareness about rare skull malformation in support of a BWG family whose son, Mason Donkin, has chiari malformation. July 31 at 11 a.m. (11:30 a.m. walk), BWG Leisure Centre, 471 West Park Ave., Bradford.
