Southlake Cup returns to Aurora after raising over $7,000 for Run/Walk

July 13, 2016 · 0 Comments

By Brock Weir

Southlake Regional Health Centre’s Municipal Challenge Cup has made a triumphant return to Aurora after Aurora came out on top amongst York Region municipalities raising money for the 2016 Run/Walk for Southlake presented by Nature’s Emporium.

In actual fact, however, the Cup never truly left Aurora. This is the second consecutive year Aurora has won the trophy in the friendly competition, which gives a boost to the event held each year in Aurora.

The Cup was accepted by Team Aurora captain Joanne Gorry, who works in the Town’s Communications department, at the last Council meeting.

“Southlake is a very important institution in our community and it is our hospital,” said Steve Hinder of the Southlake Regional Hospital Foundation during the presentation. “The fact the Town stepped up at this event hosted in our Town means a lot. It shows great leadership on behalf of everyone here and I would like to congratulate you on raising $7,010.”

Ms. Gorry wasn’t the only one receiving hardware on behalf of the Town of Aurora.

The Foundation paid special recognition to one behind the scenes person at the Town who goes a long way in ensuring the Run/Walk remains a success each year: Stu Curtis, Aurora’s Roads and Traffic Supervisor.

“Stu has been involved in helping us close the roads for the 14 years this event has been going on,” said the Foundation’s Erin Rogers. “He has gone above and beyond to assist in the execution of the Run, ensuring all the proper equipment is provided and in place prior to the event. He has also leant his expertise on the roads to our Committee.

“This year, we worked with Multisport Canada to help set up our race. They are a national race company and they set up triathlons all over this country, including Sporting Life in Toronto. They sent me an email after the event and they said, ‘I want you to know how lucky you are to have a man like Stu Curtis be a part of your event.’ They work with so many municipalities and they have never seen that level of commitment and the attention to detail, and assure us the race would not go as smooth, nor would it be safe for our participants, without his contributions, so we would like to recognize Stu for his outstanding commitment and contribution to this event.”

Thanks were also offered by Katherine Alyea, Vice President of Philanthropy and Engagement for the Foundation. For her, the partnership between the Town and the Foundation on the Run is vital to its success.

“We are especially thankful for the opportunity to promote the event as part of the Town of Aurora’s commitment to health, fitness and recreation, which is such an important part of health protection,” she said. “We also wanted to recognize the wonderful generosity of the ability to use the Stronach Recreation Complex. The employees of the complex were so helpful and friendly, and were fantastic hosts of the event and we are very grateful for everyone.”