Just under 1000 participants and supporters came together on Saturday to kick off the first Stouffville Main Street 5K run.
Spearheaded by Mayor Lovatt’s office and hosted by the Town of Whitchurch Stouffville, the fundraising event raised more than $118,000 for the Markham Stouffville Hospital (MSH).
The run also sought to raise awareness of MSH and the services it provides, with Mayor Lovatt highlighting MSH as “our” hospital.
“We need to raise awareness in our community and ownership of the fact that Markham Stouffville Hospital is OUR community hospital,” he said.
Marking Father’s Day weekend, Kevin MacKenzie took to the stage and expressed his gratitude for the care his children received as newborns at MSH’s Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU).
“To new fathers who have just had a baby born and are spending time at Markham Stouffville Hospital, you should feel tremendous, your little one is in great hands. You’re receiving the best care,” MacKenzie said.
The funds raised will go to MSH’s top service priorities. “The MSH of tomorrow must transform health care for our rapidly growing, aging, and diverse community,” a recent press release stated.
“Generous support is essential for Markham Stouffville Hospital to be able to remain on the cutting-edge of patient care,” Suzette Strong, CEO, MSH Foundation, said. “Our hospital can only thrive with the help of the caring and generous spirit of its community.”
“I am beyond thankful and overwhelmed by the generosity of our community,” Mayor Lovatt said in a recent social media post.
Residents can donate to the campaign until June 30 at the Stouffville 5K website.
