Three Local Charities Benefit from Annual Run with Responders 5K
Organizers and officials of the 2025 Run With Responders 5K presented three local charities with cheques for $3,500 each today.
The $10,500 total was raised during the 3rd Annual Run with Responders 5K, which raised funds and awareness in support of first responders and their local charities of choice. Nearly 400 individual runners and walkers of all ages took part in this unique first responder–themed charity run celebrating all frontline service providers.
“For 2025, our charities are Canadian Mental Health Association - Windsor-Essex County Branch (CMHA-WECB), Windsor Firefighters Benefit Fund and Law Enforcement Torch Run (LETR) for Special Olympics Ontario, with 100% of the proceeds to benefit these three important charitable organizations,” said co-organizer Dave Orshinsky.
Windsor Police Service Chief Jason Bellaire, Windsor Fire & Rescue Services Chief James Waffle, and Essex-Windsor Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Deputy Chief Ziad Fatallah were joined by event organizers at Windsor Fire & Rescue Services headquarters on Goyeau Street to present donation cheques to their respective charities.
Funds raised support ongoing mental health education, training, and awareness as part of the Sole Focus Project of the CMHA-WECB. Many sessions are geared toward helping community stakeholders, from first responders and medical professionals to youth and caregivers.
“Mental health is key to our well-being, and we can’t be truly healthy without it,” said CMHA-WECB Director of Communications and Mental Health Promotion Kim Willis. “When individuals are mentally healthy, they are able to realize their own abilities, cope with the normal stresses of life, work productively, and make positive contributions to their community.”
The Law Enforcement Torch Run (LETR) for Special Olympics engages law enforcement officers worldwide, championing acceptance and inclusion for people with intellectual disabilities, starting first with their own communities.
The presenting partners of the Run with Responders 5K, 1K and Kids Dash were the Windsor Port Authority and the Windsor Police Association.
“Windsor Port Authority is proud to be one of the presenting sponsors for the 2025 Run with Responders 5K in support of CMHA-WECB, Windsor Firefighters Benefit Fund and LETR for Special Olympics,” said Windsor Port Authority President and Chief Executive Officer Steve Salmons. “We are committed to supporting organizations and individuals who contribute to the well-being of our community, and we are thankful for the dedication, sacrifices, and achievements of all professional and volunteer first responders in Windsor-Essex who work tirelessly to make the region a great place to live, work and play.”
“Run With Responders gives first responders and community participants the opportunity to support three great initiatives that champion mental health support, acceptance and inclusion,” said Windsor Police Association President Kent Rice.
For more information on the Run with Responders 5K, individuals and companies may contact Dave Orshinsky at (519) 996-1012 by phone or dorshinsky@gmail.com by email.