Walkathon a success thanks to sponsors

By Karen Warner —

Despite stormy skies, the rain held off for Harbourfront Community Centre’s (HCC) first annual 5K family walkathon Oct. 2 (see photo at right).

This new fundraising event was developed to raise public awareness and funds in support of HCC’s family programs. HCC’s organizing committee set a “dream goal” of raising $5000 and thanks to the generosity of community members and local corporate event sponsors Advocis and Sobeys, that goal was surpassed by over $200.

More than 100 walkers participated in the 5K walkathon including employees of Advocis’ Queen’s Quay branch, HCC family and seniors programs participants, St. Stephen’s Waterfront Child Care Centre, and HCC staff and Board Members.

Walkers geared up with a healthy breakfast and HCC fitness instructor, Judith led warm-up exercises prior to the official walkathon start. Every walker received a complimentary walkathon t-shirt, designed by local Harbourfront resident and HCC family programs participant Eleanora Deini.

Sobeys Queen’s Quay Terminal store hosted the halfway mark with bottled water and a rest stop for walkers. Sobeys Fort York store donated food and drinks for the post-walkathon celebratory BBQ.

Advocis employees played a key role in making this event a success. They raised pledges, solicited prizes, walked and volunteered at the event as well as sponsored the event t-shirts. Advocis executive team members Greg Pollock, president and CEO, and Taylor Train, COO and CLU, displayed their culinary skills at the BBQ and their generosity with a surprise corporate donation of $1,000.

Prizes were given for top pledge earners in addition to raffle prizes ensuring that everyone went home happy.

For more information about HCC programs and services, visit the website at www.harbourfrontcc.ca.