Apparently, the community and staff at the Foundation of the Children’s Treatment Centre of Chatham-Kent aren’t on the same page.
Staff, heading into the recent second annual Run for the Kids event held June 22 at Rondeau Provincial Park, hoped to match or slightly exceed the $80,000 raised at the inaugural event.
Queue the giving nature of the people of Chatham-Kent.
No, $80,000 wasn’t good enough. Heck, $100,000 didn’t sit well. Instead, they raised $117,000 with the run.
Erin Genge, community engagement co-ordinator with the foundation, said she and others were left speechless.
“Raising $117,000, I think, blew us all out of the water,” she said. “But (a week prior to the event) all of a sudden money came rolling in.”
She said corporate teams and volunteers were a big part of the event, with Handy Bros. and the Realty Energy Group stepping up big time.
But at the core, families of children who utilize services offered at the treatment centre were a huge part of the success as well.
“We sold out. We had 300 people register,” Genge said. “With supporters, family and friends, we had over 500 people in the park.”
Some registered with the goal of aggressively running the 5K circuit. But others were there purely for a good time.
“Spirits were high. It was magical. Seeing our families and the community come out, you can’t help but feel the spirit,” she said. “It’s contagious. Everyone was there supporting each other and raising money for a great cause.”
Genge said several teams showed up in costumes.
The weather, with rain during set up and again at the start, did not dampen spirits. Genge said it was actually appreciated.
“We had a little bit of a wet morning, but it didn’t slow anyone down,” she said. “Some runners said it was a perfect way to cool down after a hot week.”
Funds raised will go towards supporting the programming offered by the Children’s Treatment Centre, specifically music therapy, recreational therapy, the pool programs, and social work.
“We’re trying to make sure the key services are delivered to kids across Chatham-Kent,” Genge said.
