'FUNd Run For Haiti' raises $7,500 for relief efforts
Feb 01, 2010 - 04:48 PM
By Chris Hall
PORT PERRY -- Even as the mercury dipped to a frigid minus -22 C on Saturday morning, Angela Connolly was warmed by the outpouring of support from the Scugog community.
Despite numbingly cold conditions, more than 100 participants gathered at the Community Living Durham North centre on Reach Street, prepared to brave the cold for a good cause.
"I think the Canadian spirit just kind of rose above it all," said Ms. Connolly, who helped spearhead the impromptu 'FUNd Run For Haiti' event held Jan. 30.
"We can endure the minus -22 temperatures, even though it's tempting to stay inside and stay warm. It was quite an accomplishment for people to go outdoors and be in such good spirits to help make changes and to help local doctors in their efforts," she added.
And, with frosty hats and frozen toes, about 110 participants gathered last weekend to take part in the two- and five-kilometre fundraiser, which garnered more than $7,500. Those funds will be turned over to Feed The Children, a Christian, international non-profit relief organization supported by two local physicians, Dr. Anthony Brown and Dr. Paul Puckrin. Those two veteran doctors recently spent a week in Haiti as part of a Feed The Children team tending to the injured in the wake of Jan. 12 earthquake that has killed thousands.
The gathering of supporters, noted Ms. Connolly, represented a vast cross-section of Scugog's community -- and its desire to help.
One young participant, 11-year-old William Leeder, collected a $1,000 in pledges.
"He was so excited and proud," recalled Ms. Connolly.
Other older secondary students pitched in at the event, despite already having accumulated all the mandatory volunteer hours they need to graduate.
"It was something they could do to make a difference. Everyone wanted to help in some way," she said.
Also chipping in was Scugog Township, which arranged for the proper permits and other logistics, and Port Perry's Anglican Church Of The Ascension, which looked after insurance issues.
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