An annual charity event that has supported an Orillia hospital for five years is coming to our community this spring.
“Charlee’s Run” is a one- or five-kilometre charity run that raises awareness for infant loss and pregnancy. The event has been organized annually since 2016 by Mallory and Dave Holmes, a couple who now live in Oxford Mills.
The Holmes’ say the event is inspired by their late daughter Charlee, who was born and passed away in 2011. “There are no words, no language surrounding pregnancy and infant loss,” they say. “This often leaves people silent, which adds to the loneliness of an immeasurable loss. After losing Charlee, we never wanted another family to feel alone. We thought if our story could reach even one family in need then it was worth it.”
In past years, the run has been held in Orillia, supporting Orillia Soldiers’ Memorial Hospital. This year, the run is happening in both Orillia and Kemptville, with the local event supporting the Winchester District Memorial Hospital’s obstetrics department.
The run is scheduled for May 7th, at the Ferguson Forest Centre. For details on how to register or donate, visit the Charlee’s Run Facebook page.