(NEWMARKET – APRIL 25, 2022) The Nature’s Emporium Run for Southlake took place on Sunday, April 24. After two years of running the event virtually, hundreds of people were excited to lace up their running shoes and participate in person to run or walk 5k along Davis Drive and past our hospital. The event has reached its fundraising goal raising over $330,000 gross and growing. Fundraising closes on Friday, May 13.
Jennifer Ritter, President and CEO of Southlake Foundation and Arden Krystal, CEO of Southlake Regional Health Centre, kicked off the event as emcees of the opening ceremony with Newmarket Mayor John Taylor and Joe D’Addario, CEO of Nature’s Emporium, title sponsor of the event in attendance.
“Today means so much to us, it has been a long two years, but we have come through stronger and more resilient together,” says Arden Krystal. “Southlake is your hospital, here for you when you need us, we are always by your side, and today, you are here, by our side, when we need your support.”
“This event would not be possible without all our communities’ support, and we are so grateful,” says Jennifer Ritter. “Over the last ten years, the event has raised more than $2.3 million net supporting Southlake. And while the ongoing pandemic has undoubtedly presented a challenge to many events, the Nature’s Emporium Run for Southlake has risen to the occasion.”
“Nature’s Emporium has been the proud title sponsor of the Run for Southlake for the last decade and we are thrilled with the positive impact we have been able to make in our community through this partnership. This isn’t just a sponsorship for us, it’s an investment in the health of our communities,” says Joe D’Addario.
The event itself has a twenty-year history in our community. It’s certainly found its footing and anchored itself as one of our communities’ most highly-anticipated run/walk events.
Over the last decade, the event found its forever home at Davis Drive, where participants can run under the iconic Southlake bridge and right past the same hospital it supports.
“We can’t do what we do without the generous support of our communities, or without the passion and dedication from our staff, who inspire your support,” says Dr. John Randle, Orthopedic Surgeon at Southlake Regional Health Centre and Nature’s Emporium Run for Southlake. “The support of our communities literally puts the tools in our hands to provide leading edge care close to home.”
Learn more at www.runforsouthlake.ca
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BACKGROUND
Sponsors
We are grateful for the support of our sponsors. Sponsors of the event include title sponsor Nature’s Emporium, Magna International, Highland GM, The Marc Group, Sports Medicine Centre of Excellence, Print Graphics, and Chartwell Residences.
Volunteers
Our event is only possible with the support of over 100 volunteers that give generously of their time both leading up to the event and on the day of to ensure the event runs smoothly and provides our participants with a fantastic experience.
Run History
The Nature’s Emporium Run for Southlake is the evolution of the Bob Hartwell Challenge that began in 2002 to pay tribute to local businessman, civic leader and avid runner, Bob Hartwell. Through his incredible contribution to the community, Bob touched many lives in his 54 years.
The Nature’s Emporium Run for Southlake honours his legacy by raising much-needed funds for Southlake Regional Health Centre, so that we can all continue to have access to the leading edge care that we deserve, close to home.
This event has since evolved into one of Southlake’s largest annual event and become a fixture in our community. Just as Southlake touches the lives of people beyond York Region, participants come from all over to join in. From South Simcoe, Durham and Dufferin Counties, Toronto and even as far north as Muskoka, participants from 3 to 80 years old come to support leading edge health care for their family, friends and neighbours.
About Southlake Regional Health Centre Foundation
Since the inception of Southlake Foundation in 1980, more than $213 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: southlakefoundation.ca.
