Annual Run/Walk/Roll raises $59,000 for KidsInclusive

The KidsInclusive Centre for Child & Youth Development’s Run/Walk/Roll event had its best year ever, after runners and walkers of all ages laced up their sneakers and hit the streets on May 27, 2023, to raise funds for the organization.

Celebrating its 50th anniversary, the KidsInclusive Centre for Child & Youth Development marked the occasion in style with the return of its Run/Walk/Roll fundraising event this year. This was the first time the Run/Walk/Roll was held in person since 2019, according to a release from University Hospitals Kingston Foundation (UHFK).      

UHFK noted in the release that proceeds from the Run/Walk/Roll will be directed to the KidsInclusive Centre and used in various ways to benefit the organization’s clients, including purchasing equipment, supporting specialized education and training, initiating new programs, and assisting families with the exceptional costs associated with raising a child with special needs. With the inclusion of this year’s proceeds, the Run/Walk/Roll has raised over $400,000 for KidsInclusive and its associated families since the event’s debut in 1996, UHKF stated, with over half of that total raised during the past nine years.

“I think you’ve created something incredible; it’s just a phenomenal achievement,” said Evelyn Maizen, past chair of the UHKF Board of Directors. “KidsInclusive is a very special place in our community. A place that not only helps foster potential and advocate for our children, but it’s a place that supports the entire family.” 

The funds raised will help children and adolescents with disabilities throughout southeastern Ontario, as well as communities along the western coasts of James Bay and Hudson Bay, including the Weeneebayko area.  

“KidsInclusive does such valuable pediatric work to empower kids and youth with special needs to reach their full potential in our community,” said Noella Klawitter, Director of KidsInclusive. “A fundraiser like this is essential to help our Chances for Children fund. These funds are dedicated to assisting families with the purchase or lease of special equipment, or the partial cost of basic renovations designed to improve accessibility, safety, and comfort for the child.”

Katrina Hill, whose son Hudson served as a race ambassador for the event, shared how important KidsInclusive is for families in the Kingston area. “It was our privilege to support KidsInclusive this year,” Hill said. “Thank you for selecting Hudson as one of your ambassadors. KidsInclusive has been instrumental in the wellness of our entire family.”

Learn more about KidsInclusive on their website.