Thanks to great community support and involvement, the annual Avery’s Bravery Race, which will take place on April 26 at the Rockwood Conservation Area, is now in its fifth year.
Sadly, this will be the final year for the event.
Christine and Todd Bond, organizers of the event and parents of five-year-old Avery Bond, told the Advertiser they plan on doing something just as fun next year to replace the race, but are still figuring out all the details.
“Last year, we raised $10,000, and we hope to raise the same this year,” Christine said.
In total, the event has raised $30,000, and all the funds raised go to Sick Kids Hospital in Toronto. This year the funds will be going towards the Women’s Auxiliary and the Bravery Bead program there.
“It’s been getting bigger every year,” Christine said.
In 2013 the event brought over 400 people together, which doubled the 200 that came out the first year.
“We’re expecting at least 400 people to come out again this year,” Christine added.
The day will begin at 10am with a 5-kilometre run, 2km walk, and 100-metre dash for kids of all ages. Those who aren’t participating in the various walks and runs, can enjoy many other activities like a bouncy castle, obstacle course, face-painting, a barbecue and all kinds of demonstrations.
“We really try to make it a family fun day so everyone has something to do,” Christine said.
Later that night, there will be a DJ dance at the Curwin’s Pub in Rockwood, beginning at 9pm and including door prizes, a 50/50 draw and more.
Avery was born with Turner’s Syndrome, which sometimes comes with a heart condition. She underwent a life-saving heart surgery at just 13 days old. Christine told the Advertiser Avery is doing well and celebrated her fifth birthday on March 13.
Now that Avery is in school her parents organized a big kick-off at her school, which helped inform more children about the event, and will hopefully draw a bigger crowd.
