OFVIC's 11th Annual "See It Our Way" Walkathon

Congratulations to all OFVIC Walkathon participants, volunteers, donors and supporters.

It was a great day in more ways than one. Although there was the threat of rain, the weather held up for us, and the sun peaked out every so often too! Many of our supporters came out with their friends, family, children and pets!! It was wonderful to see some of our current families as well as our past families enjoy the day with us too. To be able to visit with the children and see how beautifully they are all growing up is such a pleasure for the current and past OFVIC staff. The joint effort and excitement was obvious as everyone enjoyed the walk and returned to the fun-filled barbeque and raffle afterwards. It was a perfect atmosphere where everyone came together, enjoyed each other’s company, shared stories, made new friends, and enjoyed the food and the prizes. It was obvious too, how much the children enjoyed the face painting and craft areas. As always, it was wonderful to see everyone come together collectively to make a difference for OFVIC, the children and the families we serve.

“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. 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 effort goes a long way and the day would not have been as successful without the team effort.

With “Thanks and Appreciation” to:

• Sarah Doucette, Councillor for Parkdale-High Park for attending our event and showing her support.

• The Founder of OFVIC, Norma Kelly, for joining us together with her family and Donna Ivey. Your wonderful works and determination over 35 years ago has grown into a fountain of services and support for the children and their families.

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

• The Macri Family, our 2009 and 2010 Walkathon top fundraisers. It was an honour to have them cut the ribbon at our start line again this year. Thank you for your commitment to support OFVIC and for helping to spread awareness of the services we provide.

• The Shiffman Family, our 2010 Walkathon runner up top fundraisers, who held the ribbon at the start line. You have shown tremendous support to OFVIC over the years, and we are grateful for your commitment.

• 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 is always a joy to see how beautiful the children are growing. We hope everyone will come back next year too!

“Congratulations” to The Macri Family, who for the third year in a row, are the 2011 Walkathon’s top fundraisers with a total of $4,245!!!!

Special mention also to The Thomson Family who raised $2,800, the Shiffman Family who raised $1,935, Flemming Hansen who raised $1,800, The Lakeshore Chapter #257 Group who raised $1,713, The Runnymede Lodge No. 619 who raised $860 and to The Rowe Family who raised $810. What amazing individuals you are!! Congratulations!!

OFVIC truly appreciates everyone’s support!! We couldn’t do it without you!

Let’s continue the “See It Our Way” Walkathon tradition and do it again next year on

Sunday, May 27^th, 2012.

The raffle draw, Lottery License #M660548, took place on Sunday, May 29^th, 2011 at High Park Forest School at 12:30 p.m. All winners were present and claimed their prize. The winning ticket numbers were: 257076, 144354, 256885, 257122, 257523, 257205, 144551, 256678, 256895, 257006, 144396, 256867, 256675, 256698, 256616, 257093, 257208, 144457, 257215, 257201, 256834, 257265, 256874, 256710, 257257.

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