Rotary Huron Shore Run organizers presented a cheque for $40,000 July 7 to the Saugeen Memorial Hospital Foundation, proceeds from their 2021 fundraising event.

Hub Staff

Despite another modified event in 2021 due to COVID-19, Rotary Huron Shore Run once again exceeded fundraising expectations.

See: Rotary Huron Shore Run in the home stretch

The event saw 186 people of all ages run, walk, bike or row the equivalent of 325 kilometres, or a portion therein, along the Lake Huron shoreline. Canadian Federation of University Women (CFUW) chapters participated across Canada.

All told, over $40,000 was raised for the Saugeen Memorial Hospital Foundation and a cheque presentation took place July 7 at Perkins Park in Southampton.

While organizers are hoping for a return to normal in 2022, Organizing Committee member John Van Bastelaar said July 7 that he couldn't believe the enthusiasm this year and said they were going to have a virtual race accompany the physical race every year. "It gives an opportunity to people who don't want to race to challenge themselves," Van Bastelaar said.

Tracy Murray, SMHF Executive Director, was in attendance July 7 and said the Foundation was very grateful for the support. "The funds that Huron Shore Run raised is going to go towards a new cautery unit for the OR here in Southampton and a mini cautery unit in the ER," she said.

Run participants challenged family and friends and formed teams. CFUW Southport collectively raised $14,490, followed by the Troublesome Trekkers who collectively raised $4,525.

A June 29 media release from RHSR gave a special congratulations to their top 10 individual fundraisers: Pat Dobec $6000, Dylan Roote $2075, Doug Gordon $1625, Pat Sanagan $1600, Ian Clark $1450, Kai Bailey $1290, Christine Champion $1277.50, Ann Marie Harding, $1265, Jill Beaupre $1150 and Heather Conlin $1080.

Event sponsors also donated to the cause, including Barry's Construction $15,000, OPG $1000, Bruce Power $2000 and Truly Nolen Pest Control $500.