Commissionaires cancel fifth annual Run for Military Families

Posted Feb 23, 2012 By Theresa Fritz

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EMC News -A run that generated support for military families and grew beyond expectations is no more.

On Feb. 6, in an open letter on the Commissionaires Ottawa website, organization CEO Paul Guindon announced the fifth annual Run for Military Families would not be taking place. The event had been scheduled to take place May 3 to 4.

The event, which Commissionaires Ottawa sponsored, was designed to raise awareness and funds in support of the Petawawa Military Family Resource Centre (PMFRC), a non-profit agency located at CFB Petawawa.

The event saw participation from the base members, including the base commander himself, as well as members of communities the run passed through.

Guindon praised the event and expressed gratitude to all those who have volunteered, participated or supported the run.

"There are several reasons that individually did not challenge our commitment to organize and sponsor this year's event, but factored together they have convinced me that is it not too late to turn a new page and focus on other ways to give back to the military community in 2012 and beyond," Guindon wrote.

"Please be assured that funds raised so far will be presented to the military family resource centres in Petawawa and the National Capital Region, and we look forward to future collaborations to raise awareness about the important work they do in support of military families."

The run grew steadily from its first outing in 2008. It traditionally began with a kickoff at the Centennial Flame on Parliament Hill and the running convoy made brief stops along the way to in various communities to acknowledge the support of donors, school veterans, Legions and military families.

Fundraisers with donation boxes were located at all stops along the way.

Stops over the years have included locations in Kanata and West Carleton, such as St. Isidore Catholic Elementary School. The run continued up the Ottawa Valley, crossing the finish line at the Red Friday Rally hosted by Red Friday Ladies Lisa Miller and Karen Boire in Pembroke.

Based on the huge turnout for the Arnprior event, Miller and Boire were special guests at last year's rally in Arnprior.

"It has been a good run, literally, and I am grateful for the tireless efforts of hundreds of volunteers, staff, organizers, guest speakers and runners -too numerous to be mentioned but individually appreciated," Guindon wrote in his open letter.

In a separate statement to this newspaper, he elaborated further.

"The Run for Military Families was a very special event that took on a life of its own and grew beyond anyone's wildest predictions," said Guindon. "The organization of this event was carried on the backs of a not-forprofi t company and hundreds of volunteers. For four years, we found resourceful ways to give 100 per cent of donations and the majority of corporate sponsorship contributions to the Military Family Resource Centres, plus a $10,000 donation from Commissionaires Ottawa.

"Although the concept and our approach was unique and well-received, the organization of an event that linked seven different municipalities and had grown so rapidly risked becoming a year-round commitment -and that's time and resources spent above and beyond everyone's day jobs."

He emphasized his organization would continue to fundraise and increase awareness but it was time a new direction was taken.

"Although our decision to cancel this event was very difficult, Commissionaires Ottawa and many of our volunteers are already looking at different ways to spread out our fundraising and awareness efforts throughout the year rather than try to squeeze it all into two days," Guindon said.


theresa.fritz@metroland.com






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