A record 450 participants came out on Saturday at Heartland Forest in Niagara Falls to support children and youth across Niagara Region in the Niagara Children’s Centre’s 12th annual Superhero Run.
According to the Niagara Children’s Centre, just over $157,000 was raised by participants, families, sponsors, and community supporters. The funds raised will help fund rehabilitation and child development services for children and youth with physical, developmental, and communicative delays.
“This year’s Superhero Run was an incredible celebration of what happens when a community comes together for children and families,” said Noella Klawitter, CEO of the Niagara Children’s Centre. “To welcome a record number of participants to our first event in Niagara Falls is a testament to the incredible support we receive from across Niagara.”
“We are so grateful to every participant, volunteer, sponsor and donor who helped make this year’s event such a success.”
This year was the first that the event was held in Heartland Forest in Niagara Falls, as well as the first time Heartland Forest closed its trails for a private event. Those of all ages and abilities were invited to run, walk, or roll up to five kilometres along the forest’s accessible trails or take part in a family activity course featuring superhero-themed activities.
The funds raised through the event help the Niagara Children’s Centre provide services, equipment, programs, and supports to children and their families that is not covered by government funding. It helps the organization aid even more children in achieving their goals and participating more fully in their homes, schools, and communities.
The Niagara Children’s Centre provides services to more than 6,200 children and youth in Niagara Region each year with physical, developmental, and communicative delays.
The event’s presenting sponsors, The Viola-Salter Group, which is a division of Scotia Wealth Management, have been supporters of the run since it first began 12 years ago. Partners Joe Viola and Grier Salter commented on why their Group has kept supporting the event year after year.
“It has been incredibly rewarding to watch the Superhero Run grow over the past 12 years and see so many people come together in support of Niagara’s children and youth,” said Viola and Salter. “This year’s record turnout shows just how strongly our community believes in the work of Niagara Children’s Centre.”
“We are proud to continue supporting an event that brings families together while making a meaningful difference for children and youth across Niagara,” added Viola and Salter.
Since launching 12 years ago, the Superhero Run has raised over $1.2 million to support the Niagara Children’s Centre.
Jay Goldberg is the Canadian Affairs Manager at the Consumer Choice Center. He previously served as the Ontario Director at the Canadian Taxpayers Federation and a policy fellow at the Munk School of Public Policy and Global Affairs. Jay holds a Ph.D. in Political Science from the University of Toronto.
