It was a colourful weekend in Windsor- Essex as more than 80 participants joined the Hôtel-Dieu Grace Healthcare team at Malden Park to participate in its Foundation’s Butterfly 5K Run, Walk or Flutter presented by Unifor Local 2458.
Originally held virtually, the west-end community-based hospital’s Foundation announced the unique event in 2020 in response to readjusting their fundraising strategy due to COVID-19. Twenty-twenty-two saw supporters together in person, ready for their 5-km trek through the beautiful natural paths of Malden Park.
Proceeds from today’s event went to support children’s mental health programming at HDGH’s Regional Children’s Centre (RCC) – specifically the Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder Program.
“The FASD Program at HDGH’s RCC was introduced in 2019 as a recognized need in supporting our community’s children, youth and their families,” said Kyle Williamson, interim director. “Not all children with FASD will experience it in the same way; it is a spectrum disorder. Funds from our Butterfly 5K Run, Walk or Flutter will help support and care for these diverse needs with early intervention lessening its impact and hopefully preventing secondary challenges that may come as a result of this disorder,” Williamson explained.
The Butterfly theme was deliberately chosen to represent transformation, creativity, endless potential, vibrant joy and an intrinsic ability to experience the wonder of life – just as the intended experience of every child. The registration fee of $60 included an event t-shirt and medal at the end of the race.
Carl Maiolani was this year’s top pledge earner with over $1,500 raised.
“As the needs of our children and youth continue to grow, our HDGH Foundation continues to support these evolving needs and those families that utilize the impactful and important programs and services at RCC. Today’s event did just that and even more, we could do it together, in a manner that promotes health and movement while connecting with nature,” said Barb Sebben, executive director of the HDGH Foundation.
Sebben reminded the community that pledges and donations were still being accepted by visiting hdgh.org/foundation
To learn more about HDGH’s Regional Children’s Centre and its FASD Program visit hdgh.org/FASD
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