Boys’ Home run celebrates 30 years.
The Father’s Day Run/Walk/Skate/Bike for Huron House Boys Home is celebrating its 30th birthday this year.
“I think there is something about pulling the heartstrings with a Father’s Day Run for a Boys Home. It’s emotional. The community really supports Huron House Boys Home in a big way,” says Don Adam, Huron House executive director.
The Boys Home Run has become a family tradition for many people.
Over the years, the Boys Home Run has grown to include a 10k run, a 5k run, a 7k rollerblade, a 7k bike ride and a 5k walk. This year, 20k and 40k bike rides have been added.
“We are hoping to draw other types of participants with other interests. Not everyone is a runner. This is something different,” says Adam.
Routes begin and end at Mike Weir Park.
In addition to the run, there is a sausage and pancake breakfast for all participants. But, you don’t have to be a participant to attend that event. The cost for non-participants is $5 for the breakfast. The breakfast takes place on the day of the run, Sunday, June 19, 8:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. at Mike Weir Park.
All proceeds from the event stay in Sarnia/Lambton and support Huron House Boys Home. Last year’s event raised $18,000 and Adam is hoping for $30,000 this year. As of this interview, 75 people were registered to take part. Adam is hoping for many more.
Many local businesses have donated prizes for the event. All participants in the event are entered in the draws for the prizes, but must be present to win. The top prize is a $250 Via Rail voucher, available for participants who raise $150 or more. The participant’s name will be entered once for each $150 raised.
Participants in the event are encouraged to help solve the Clue Game. They are given a few clues and must come up with the answer.
The 10 boys who are currently living at Huron House, along with 150 other volunteers, will be helping with the set up and take down of the event. Some of the boys even take part in the event as participants.
“We try and engage the youth in all of our events,” says Adam.
The Ministry of Children and Youth Services licenses Huron House Boys Home annually. Approximately 30 per cent of their budget comes from the ministry. Funding is also received through fee for service (Children’s Aid Society). Parents are expected to finance medical costs and provide clothes. Funding also comes through individual donations, corporate sponsors and donors and fundraising.
Huron House has several other fundraising activities that take place throughout the year. A pancake breakfast in April raised $1,191.15. Other upcoming events include Race to Erase on Sept. 24, Duc d’Orleans Cruise on Sept 15 and a Quarter Auction in November. Other major fundraising activities include Men Who Cook in February, the spring bulletin (newsletter) and the annual Christmas Appeal.
The Father’s Day Run/Walk/Skate/Bike takes place on Sunday, June 19 at Mike Weir Park. Register online, by mail or in person. For more information, visit hhbh.ca, visit the home at 2473 Lakeshore Rd. in Bright’s Grove or call Sharon at 519-869-4000. Last minute registration is accepted in person outside SportCheck in Lambton Mall on Friday, June 17, 5 – 9 pm and Saturday, June 18 10 am – 5 pm. If you can’t run, you can also pledge a runner by calling the office or visiting the website.
Mon, 05/02/2016 — Angela Crich