OFVIC’s 10th Annual “See It Our Way” Walkathon

Congratulations to all OFVIC Walkathon participants, volunteers, donors and supporters. To date, we have raised just over $19,000!!! What an amazing team effort by all!! We could not have done it without you and the support of all your family and friends.

It was a beautiful day for many reasons. The weather was superb which helped to encourage many supporters to come out for the walk, bringing with them their families, friends and pets! As always, it was wonderful to see everyone come together collectively to make a difference for OFVIC, the children and the families we serve. The joint effort and excitement was obvious as everyone enjoyed the walk and returned to the fun-filled barbeque and raffle afterwards. It was great to see so many people sharing stories, making new friends, and enjoying the food and the prizes. It was obvious too, how much the children enjoyed the face painting and craft areas.

“Special thanks to all our Walkers, and to their friends, families and colleagues who supported them!!” Fundraising is essential to OFVIC in order for us to maintain the quality services the children need and we rely on the generosity of our donors to help make this happen. Because of the changing economy, we realize how many of us have faced financial strains in one way or another and we are grateful for your committed dedication and support to OFVIC. Our level of needs is diversified, so every little bit helps and we appreciate it!!

“We appreciate and thank all the volunteers who worked so hard to help make this Walkathon a success!” Volunteers are crucial to the success of any event and as always, we are appreciative for the help. Whether it was cleaning a table when setting up, hanging a sign, sitting at a checkpoint, flipping burgers, selling raffle tickets, or cleaning up after the event, every little bit helps and the day would not have been as successful without the team effort. But, above all, our volunteers do it with a big smile and with a big heart!

With “Thanks and Appreciation” to:

• Mayor David Miller, who unfortunately could not attend our Walkathon this year, but sent a letter of well wishes which was read at our start line by Sylvia Schippke, a member of the OFVIC Board of Directors.

• The Lakeshore Chapter Group (Order of the Eastern Star), David Robitaille (IBM Canada), Brian Hillyer, Pino Correale and the Runnymede Lodge No. 619, Barbara Johnston and the Municipal Chapter IODE Independent Orders Group and the Forresters Group. Thanks for your generous and continuous years of support and for coming to our Walkathon with your many smiles and enthusiasm!

• Mr. Bert Mitchell, also known as Geppetto. Bert has been involved with OFVIC for over 25 years, where he passionately makes toys for the children and the preschool. You are so kind Bert!!

• The Macri Family, our 2009 Walkathon top fundraisers. It was an honour to have them cut the ribbon at our start line this year. Thank you for your commitment to support OFVIC and for helping to spread awareness of the services we provide.

• Flemming Hansen, a past High Park Forest School student, who once again, encouraged our walkers off to a great start at the start line.

• All past and present OFVIC families. It was nice to see everyone and to see how beautiful the children are growing. We hope everyone will come back next year too!

• To Samuel Minden and his family. Last year, Samuel donated all his gifts from his Bar Mitzvah to OFVIC. Thank you for coming to support us again this year.

Congratulations to The Macri Family, who for the second year in a row, are the 2010 Walkathon’s top fundraisers with a total of $3,008!

Special mention also to the Shiffman Family who raised $2,522,
the Thomson Family who raised $2,200,
The Lakeshore Chapter Group who raised $1,397,
Flemming Hansen who raised $940,
The Runnymede Lodge No. 619 who raised $798.08
and the Balcers Family who raised $730.
What amazing individuals you are!!

Photo credits courtesy of Sandra Cercone and Michelle Batt. Thanks for capturing the memories for us!!