Southlake Run nears $500,000 goal – with fundraising window set to close Friday

The 2025 Nature's Emporium Run for Southlake, which took place on Newmarket's Davis Drive on Sunday, April 27, was another resounding success for the local hospital.

Nearly 1,500 runners took part in the annual Run, which started off as the Hartwell Challenge, an Aurora event founded in memory of late councillor and marathon runner Bob Hartwell.

This year's fundraising goal, set by the Southlake Foundation, stands at $500,000 and with just a few days left to get your pledges in, they were tantalizingly close to meeting their mark.

At press time this week, pledges had totalled $457,609.68 – handily surpassing the $450,000 raised last year.

The top individual fundraisers at press time this week was Krissy Young, whose efforts have collected $15,817 for the Foundation. Rounding out the top three were Beth Egan at $10,300, and Aurora Mayor Tom Mrakas with $9,500. Newmarket Mayor John Taylor stood in fourth place among individual fundraisers at $6,750.

Team East Gwillimbury also stood on top of the team leader board with $38,251 raised and counting.

Perennial top place team, Team Aurora, stood in fourth position, at $19,140.

The top three teams were rounded out by the Fun-Raisers in second with $21,691 and Baby, We Were Born To Run!!! with $21,558.

“Every dollar you raise helps to fund the critical equipment and advanced technology our talented clinicians need to care for our family, friends and neighbours,” say organizers. “Together, we are supporting leading edge care, close to home for our community.”

For more information, including how to make a financial contribution to a team or individual, visit give.southlake.ca/site/TR?pg=entry&fr_id=1751.

Fundraising closes on Friday, May 2, at 4 p.m.

By Brock Weir