The first-ever Habitat for Humanity Carman-Dufferin Run and Walk fundraiser exceeded expectations, drawing strong community support and bringing the local affiliate closer to its goal of building a new home in the community.
Held May 30 in Carman, the event attracted 65 registered participants and raised approximately $3,700 in net proceeds after expenses.
Participants gather at the starting line for the Habitat for Humanity Carman-Dufferin Run and Walk fundraiser on May 30. The event attracted 65 registered runners and walkers and raised approximately $3,700 to support Habitat’s local home-building efforts
“We were very pleased with the turnout and the support from the community,” said Ernie Bart of Habitat for Humanity Carman-Dufferin. “Participation at this event exceeded our expectations. We are grateful for everyone who came out, donated, ran, walked, bought tickets and joined us at the barbecue.”
The fundraiser featured a five-kilometre walk and run, hourly prize draws, hot dogs, mini donuts and opportunities for residents to learn more about Habitat’s local efforts.
Welcoming participants before the event began, Bart noted that while it was the first fundraising walk organized by Habitat for Humanity Carman-Dufferin, the community has a long history of supporting similar events.
“We’ve taken over a spot where the Book It Fun Run would normally occur, and we’re grateful for that and we’re grateful for all your participation,” he told the crowd.
Bart said the local affiliate continues to make significant progress toward its next home build.
“I must say that we’re getting very close to having enough money to build the house, and we’re also very close to having a family to occupy the house,” he said. “Our Carman-Dufferin Habitat efforts are going very well.”
Volunteer Chris Dick (a.k.a. Carman Runner) provided participants with instructions before leading the first five-kilometre run of the day. Dick planned to complete the route every hour throughout the event and invited others to join him.
“We’ve lucked out on a nice cloudy day today. I think most runners and walkers will appreciate that,” he said.
Bart said the success of the fundraiser reflects the community’s commitment to helping local families achieve affordable homeownership.
“Events like this show what can happen when people come together for a good cause,” he said. “We’re thankful for the support and excited about what it means for the future of Habitat in our community.”
Organizers are continuing their fundraising efforts as they work toward making the next Habitat home a reality for a local family.
Habitat for Humanity Carman-Dufferin treasurer Lorraine Girouard said the success of the fundraiser was made possible by the efforts of participants, volunteers and sponsors.
“We need to send a huge thank you to all the participants,” Girouard said.
Among the fundraising efforts, the Cool Cats running club from École Carman Elementary School participated in the fundraiser.raised $460 in pledges. Girouard also recognized the volunteers who handled registrations and donations, sold 50/50 and e-bike raffle tickets, cooked food and prepared mini donuts throughout the day.
She also thanked musician Ernie Enns for donating his time and equipment to provide entertainment during the event, as well as Chris and Sheila Dick for helping bring the fundraiser to life.
“And of course all the businesses near and far that donated the prizes,” she said. “But most of all to all who came to the Ryall to support Habitat. It is truly humbling to see our community come together time and time again to support worthwhile causes such as this one.”
Organizers say the fundraiser has provided another boost to local efforts as Habitat for Humanity Carman-Dufferin moves closer to building a home for a local family.
