Two Local Charities Benefit from Annual Run With Responders 5K

Organizers and officials of the 2024 Run With Responders 5K presented two local charities with cheques for $6,000 each today.

The $12,000 total was raised during the 2nd Annual Run With Responders 5K which raised funds and awareness in support of first responders and their local charities of choice. Nearly 370 individual runners and walkers of all ages took part in this unique first responder—themed charity run celebrating all frontline service providers.

“For 2024, our charities are Canadian Mental Health Association - Windsor-Essex County Branch (CMHA-WECB) and Law Enforcement Torch Run for Special Olympics Ontario, with 100% of the proceeds to benefit these two important charitable organizations,” said co-organizer Dave Orshinsky.

Windsor Police Service Chief Jason Bellaire, Windsor Fire & Rescue Services Chief Stephen Laforet and Essex-Windsor Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Deputy Chief Ziad Fatallah were joined by event organizers at Windsor Fire & Rescue Services fire station 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. Many sessions are geared toward helping 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’s Director of Communications and Mental Health Promotion Kim Willis. “It involves how we feel, think, act, and interact with the world around us. Mental health is about realizing our potential, coping with the normal stresses of life, and making a contribution to our community.”

The Law Enforcement Torch Run for Special Olympics (LETR) 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 are the Windsor Port Authority, Subaru Windsor and the Windsor Police Association.

“Windsor Port Authority is proud to be one of the presenting sponsors for the 2024 Run with Responders 5K in support of CMHA-WECB 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 Windsor-Essex a great place to live, work and play.”

“Run With Responders gives first responders and community participants the opportunity to support two 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.