Over $12,000 was raised by hundreds of participants at the Journey for Jasper fundraiser here on Oct. 1.
The funds will go to the Isaac Foundation for research into MPS VI. The event was organized by the family of Pam and Darren More, whose son Jasper was diagnosed with the rare genetic disorder in 2011.
In the past the family would participate in one of the large marathon events in either Toronto or Ottawa on behalf of the foundation.
“This involved asking for sponsors on our own, travel time and cost to those events, plus registration fees to be a part of them,” explained Darren in an email to the Wellington Advertiser.
“All those costs on a personal level don’t bother me, but the thought of that money being spent on things other than research does. So we thought by hosting an event at home, we could avoid those costs and put more money to research.”
With no entry fee for the event, participants were free to raise as much as they could on their own and when they arrived, they were greeted with a Journey for Jasper (Isaac Foundation) T-shirt and treated to a barbecue lunch after the walk.
The 5km route started at the Lions Heritage Park Pavilion and included the scenic White’s Road Junction Trail.
The Mores point out the Isaac Foundation is proud that 100% of money raised goes back into research, with nothing taken away for administration or overhead fees.
The More family thanked all the participants, sponsors, volunteers and Town of Minto Parks and Recreation for coming out and/or supporting this event.
“Based on the feedback we have received so far, we have every intention of continuing this on a yearly basis,” stated Darren. The first Saturday in October will be the date going forward. “We invite business and corporations to become involved as well,” Darren added. For information or to learn how to help out contact Darren (darren@theisaacfoundation) or Pam (pam@theisaacfoundation).
