The third annual Run for the Kids is just a short jog away.
The annual fundraiser for the Children’s Treatment Centre Foundation of Chatham-Kent (CTCF), hits the starting line on June 22 in Rondeau Provincial Park.
Last year’s rendition raised $117,000. The inaugural Run in 2023 raised $80,000.
Mike Genge, president and CEO of the CTCF, said registration for this year has been hopping, with 31 runners signing up on one recent day alone.
They are 75 per cent of the way to their goal of 300 runners.
As for this year’s anticipated fundraising tally, Genge was hesitant to put down a number. He said the giving nature of the people of Chatham-Kent never ceases to impress him.
“Chatham-Kent is one of the largest-giving communities I know of in Ontario, per capita,” he said. “We’re rock stars when it comes to how much money is given in this community for our population. The community always steps up. I’m constantly amazed.”
Genge added that when people see the local impact from donations, “they get on board.”
The Run is a two-pronged effort, with a 200-metre dash organized for the kids before the 5K walk/run for participants of all ages.
And Rondeau Park will be busy throughout the day with activities. Genge said the children, the focus, will be kept busy.
“We’re going to have a carnival set up. There will be an interactive play area courtesy of the Lally Group. Treatment Centre staff will be doing different programs with kids,” he said. “The Chatham-Kent Play Rangers are also coming out.”
Hydration and refuelling are on the menu as well. Genge said.
“Once again, we’ll have free hot dogs, water, bananas…food for everybody,” he said.
Genge said Rondeau park staff look forward to hosting the event.
“The park staff are really pumped again about having our kids and our families in the park. They really, really like the event,” he said.
Local businesses and organizations are heavily involved. Genge said Enbridge is the event’s primary sponsor, and, as is the great habit of that company, more than a dozen staff from Enbridge are volunteering on race day.
Handy Bros. has more than 20 people signed up to run.
Lisa Lester from To Suit Your Fancy will lead the runners in warming up.
To learn more about Run for the Kids or to register, visit CTC-ck.com.
