Flamborough residents can make strides for the future while honouring the past, at the Waterdown Museum of Hope’s (WMH) Run and Walk on May 26.
The Race Roster event, which takes place at Bronte Creek Provincial Park in Oakville, aims to raise funds for the permanent museum, which had its grand opening at the Waterdown Legion on Remembrance Day 2023.
According to WMH communications coordinator Sophie Boers, the organizers hope to top the fundraising total from the 2023 event, which raised about $1,200.
“This is the second year for the walk. We hope to raise funds to hire a bus to bring seniors to the Red Friday event in June,” she said.
Red Friday, which takes place June 14, is a free event organized by the Waterdown Legion to honour veterans, members of the military and first responders. It features food, live entertainment, exhibits and displays, and the museum will be open for tours.
Making a bus available to area seniors who want to attend will help strengthen the connection between older residents and younger members of the community, noted Boers.
“It provides a real connection between the seniors and the youth,” she said. “The Legion really loves having the youth there.”
The Run and Walk offers two options, a 5 k route and a 10 k route. Participants can gather in the parking lot at Bronte Creek Park starting at 10 a.m. and the race kicks off at 10:50 a.m. For most, it will take about 35 minutes to complete. Teams and individuals can sign up to participate, or pledge a donation.
Boers noted that about 1,000 students have been involved with WMH over the years as part of Waterdown District High School teacher Rob Flosman’s Genocide Studies class; she hopes to see alumni reunite to support the cause.
Those who want to support the museum but aren’t available for the walk can sponsor the Waterdown Museum of Hope team, led by Flosman and Rob Thomas of the Waterdown Legion.
“Walkers, students, former students…are welcome to lace up and join us or donate,” said Boers.
The cost to register for the May 26 event is $55 for the 5 k race, and $60 for the 10 k race (there is an event code to receive $10 off). Race Kits will be available for pickup at the park on race day or in advance at the Running Room in Oakville (154 Lakeshore Rd. East).
For more details or to register, visit the Waterdown Museum of Hope website.
