Bruce Thurston, General Manager of the Yorkton Co-op recently presented a cheque for $5,000 to Ross Fisher of The Health Foundation, as the organization's Presenting Sponsor commitment for upcoming Charity Road Race event. Organization is well underway for the annual event which will take place on Sunday August 18th this year. All proceeds this year will be used to help purchase new equipment for the Cardiac program / stroke clinic.
"We are very fortunate to have the Yorkton Co-op as our Presenting Sponsor, says Ross Fisher, Executive Director of The Health Foundation. Events like this can't take place if you don't have significant sponsorship, and we are very fortunate that the Yorkton Co-op is so very supportive and works with us to improve our local healthcare."
"This is the kind of event we like to be involved in," adds Thurston. "This event helps our community by raising money for our local healthcare, and that's good all by itself. But, in addition to that it promotes health and fitness with a lot of outreach to schools and the business community, and that is a very good thing."
In addition to being the largest corporate sponsor for the Charity Road Race, the Yorkton Co-op also helps by supplying fruit, plates, condiments, napkins, pancake mix, and all the things you need to have a great pancake breakfast after the Road Race is finished.
We are fortunate to have such strong sponsorship and support from the business community for this event, Sponsorship will more than cover the cost of the Road Race which means that 100 per cent of pledges raised can go to buying medical equipment,
This year we expect the Charity Road Race to be bigger and better and more fun than ever. This year there are over 60 people enrolled in the Learn to Run clinics which is great to see.
The Charity Road Race features six events: a half marathon, a 10 km relay event and individual runs of 10 km, five km, and a two km junior race. As well, there is a family walk. The 10 km relay features teams of four people, with each person running 2.5 km. All funds raised this year will go toward the purchase of equipment we need for the Cardiac program/stroke clinic.
For those who like to run competitively, once again our 10 km race is part of the Timex Road Race Series. As well, the Charity Road Race will host the provincial 10 km Championship race this year.
There are great prizes for raising pledges and for winning one of the races; once again we are giving gift cards to those who reach fundraising thresholds. The more money you raise the larger the gift card you will be awarded.
"People are entering the Road Race to use it as incentive to get in shape, or to quit smoking, or to lose weight. Many are entering the road race to collect pledges to help raise funds for medical equipment. There are a lot of reasons why people should participate, but regardless of why you enter the Charity Road Race, we are going to make sure it is well organized and people have a great day," says Fisher.
Most individuals that have registered for the race are collecting pledges, continued Mr. Fisher. Collecting Pledges is optional and runners can choose to just pay the registration fee, but as all proceeds will be used to buy medical equipment many participants collect pledges.
There are prizes for those who place first, second or third in their race, and medals for winning your age category or for your overall race. As well, there are prizes for the top fundraisers, and everyone who raises over $100 in pledges will be entered into a draw for a series of prizes
