The following release was sent by the Belleville General Hospital Foundation
The importance of exercise and the great outdoors was only part of the message for these committed families and their young athletes. In Bloomfield last Sunday July 16 a group of caring and enthusiastic 4 years olds completed a 1km charity Fun Run (or walk) to raise funds in support of the Children’s Treatment Centre at Belleville General Hospital.
The CTC is a local, community-based children’s rehabilitation centre that provides a range of rehabilitation services and therapies to children and youth with disabilities. Organizer Jennifer Gagné wanted to give back saying ‘Our youngest son Koen benefits immensely from therapy at the Children’s Treatment Centre. And big brother Elon’s love of running inspired the idea of a fun run for kids.’ After Jennifer set up a CanadaHelps fundraising page, family and friends quickly brought them to, and then exceeded their fundraising goal for a final donation of $4089. Jennifer was surprised by the momentum that brought them to this day, expressing gratitude for the additional donated support such as graphic design, and shirts and medals for the athletes.
Deborah Milligan, Manager of CTC commented ‘This is amazing. We at the Children’s Treatment Centre are so appreciative of these efforts on our behalf.’ Located in Belleville General Hospital, and serving over 3000 children and families who reside in Hastings and Prince Edward Counties the CTC provides rehabilitation services from birth to school-leaving age for children who present with physical, neurological and/or developmental difficulties. Since 1977 the goal of the Centre has been to help children and youth with special needs reach their full potential and participate as fully as possible in the life of our community.
In addition to a warmup and cheering parents, the 9 young participants were presented with medals for their accomplishments. Several of those families attended the ceremony Tuesday to present the donation and learn more about the CTC. On behalf of Belleville General Hospital Foundation, Community Events Officer Jennifer McTavish was so impressed with the spirit behind the Fun Run, and the impact that one family can have when inspired to organize a fundraiser. ‘It is so rewarding to witness the impact our community hospital and the Children’s Treatment Centre has had on Jen and her family, which then inspired others to give so generously.’
Kids with Dr. Max in the cheque presentation. (Photo: Zev Pechenick)
