Joined by community leaders, partners, sponsors and supporters, Southlake aims to raise $500,000 at this year’s event.
Newmarket, ON – Nature’s Emporium’s flagship Newmarket location was buzzing with enthusiasm on Monday, January 22 as representatives from Southlake and Southlake Foundation, alongside dignitaries, partners, and volunteers joined the Title Sponsor’s team to officially kick-off the 2024 Nature’s Emporium Run for Southlake.
Southlake’s largest annual community fundraising event takes place on Sunday, April 28, and is open for registration for individuals and teams looking to support Southlake with their 5 KM run or walk.
“This year will be extra special, as we celebrate the 100th anniversary of Southlake providing leading edge care to our community,” said Jennifer Ritter, President and CEO of Southlake Foundation. “We will run, walk and raise critical dollars to support the next century of exceptional patient care, close to home for our family, friends and neighbours.”
Last year’s Nature’s Emporium Run for Southlake raised more than $430,000 in support of the hospital, and this year, the Foundation aims to raise their sights to half of a million dollars.
“Every year, our community amazes us with what they are able to raise from their networks to help fund needs across every program of Southlake. This year, we are asking every single participant to raise a minimum of $100 in celebration of our 100-year anniversary. We know there are very dedicated fundraisers in our community of supporters that will blow us away with their efforts, but even for those new to the event, $100 is a really attainable goal that will make an impact.”
Joe D’Addario, CEO of Nature’s Emporium spoke at the launch event about his organization’s commitment to community health, and Southlake specifically. “As proud title sponsors of this event, we are so thrilled to see the incredible volume of participants from our community on race day, showing up for our hospital, and each other,” said D’Addario. “This more than decade-long partnership is a key way that Nature’s Emporium gives back to the communities that support us, and every year our team is inspired by the positive impact we all make together. We are looking forward to another successful run this year, and to seeing even more runners and teams cross the finish line in support of a very worthy cause.” This will be Nature’s Emporium’s twelfth year as Title Sponsor.
Dr. Charmaine van Schaik, Chief of Staff at Southlake, and long-time Run participant, also joined speakers at the launch to drive home the impact fundraising dollars have at the hospital.
“The communities we serve are among the fastest growing and aging in Ontario, making Southlake one of the most overcrowded hospitals in the province. Each year, Southlake’s Emergency Department sees more than 115,000 visits. That means a new patient arrives every four and a half minutes. Even so, Southlake still consistently ranks in the top three hospitals for the best Emergency Department assessment times in the province. Results like this are made possible in part thanks to the generosity and commitment of the sponsors and supporters of this event, and the thousands of participants who fundraise for Nature’s Emporium Run for Southlake each year. Your fundraising literally puts tools in the hands of my fellow clinicians so that we can continue to provide the compassionate and excellent care you and your loved ones expect from us.”
Registration for the event is open online, with over 30 teams already registered. Participants can look forward to a variety of incentives and prizes this year, as they reach their fundraising milestones, across five different challenges: Community Friends and Family Challenge, Mayor’s Challenge, School Challenge Cup, Corporate and Business Team Challenge, Hospital Family Challenge, and the Community Spirit Award!
“It’s important to remember than your registration fee covers the cost of the event, but it’s your fundraising that goes directly back to the hospital, ensuring everyone that depends on Southlake for leading edge care, can receive it close to home,” said Ritter.
For more information about the 2024 Nature’s Emporium Run for Southlake and to register visit: www.runforsouthlake.ca
