Newmarket ON – Almost everything was different about this year’s Nature’s Emporium Run for Southlake, having shifted from an in-person race to a virtual event in response to the COVID-19 pandemic – except in one very important way: our communities rallied. Together, fundraising participants and sponsors helped raise $316,890!
As the largest annual fundraiser in support of Southlake Regional Health Centre, this event raises vital funds for urgently-needed new and replacement tools, equipment and technology. In the midst of COVID-19, these needs have continued.
“This needed to be an entirely different event from what our communities’ are used to, which everyone understood. The funds raised this year are more important than ever before,” said Sheila Tilotta, Interim President and CEO at Southlake Foundation. “It’s truly inspiring and heartwarming to see that our supporters and community partners were eager to stick by our side, embracing this change and rallying to support our hospital.”
850 registered participants joined Southlake Foundation for the 5-day Virtual Challenge, many pleased with the added flexibility it offered to set customized distance goals and get creative with choosing their preferred distance-based activities. Participants walked, ran, cycled, swam, and more. 180 Southlake staff members actively participated and fundraised alongside our communities, making up 23 hospital department teams.
“At Nature’s Emporium, we are all about promoting the key ingredients for living well and community is one them,” said Joe D’Addario, President and Co-Founder, Nature’s Emporium. “Nature’s Emporium has been the proud Title Sponsor of the Run for Southlake since 2014 and though this year’s event called on us to participate in a very different way than years past, the attitude that our community showed up with to the virtual start line did not – supportive, caring, generous. On behalf of the Nature’s Emporium family, I would like to thank you all for joining us for this year’s reimagined event and for showing your support. This was truly an example of the power of coming together, apart.”
Sponsors of the 2020 event included Nature’s Emporium (Title Sponsor), Magna International (T-Shirt Sponsor), Pfaff Automotive Partners (Route Sponsor), Sports Medicine Centre of Excellence (Warm-up Sponsor) and F45 Training Newmarket.
Plans for the 2021 event are underway, with details to be determined based on ensuring the safety of our participants and communities. Watch for updates at www.runforsouthlake.ca.
About Southlake Regional Health Centre Foundation
Since the inception of Southlake Foundation in 1980, more than $160 million dollars has been raised in support of Southlake Regional Health Centre. Working with members of the community, hundreds of volunteers, the Southlake Family and our incredible donors, Southlake Foundation will continue to support life-saving medical equipment, infrastructure upgrades and expansions, patient programs and staff education, all for the goal of providing leading edge care for patients and families, close to home. For more information visit: www.southlakefoundation.ca
About Southlake Regional Health Centre
Southlake Regional Health Centre is a full-service hospital with a regional, clinically advanced focus. We provide our communities with care right from birth to end of life and in addition, we provide top-notch services such as cardiac and cancer care across York Region and Simcoe-Muskoka. We do this through innovative partnerships and amazing people. With a team of more than 3,700 employees, 650 physicians and more than 900 volunteers, Southlake is committed to creating an environment where the best experiences happen.
-30-
Emily Wood
Specialist, Marketing and Communications
Southlake Regional Health Centre Foundation
e: EWood@southlakeregional.org
t: (289)338-9427
toll free: 1-877-457-2036
