This is the fourth year in a row that Shelburne Police Service has hosted a leg of the Law Enforcement Torch Run for Special Olympics Ontario. On Friday (June 5th) 120 registered runners took part in a 4 km run through Shelburne's downtown on the warm and sunny day. The run started at Fiddle Park, circled the downtown core and ended in John's No Frill's parking lot. John's No Frills sponsored a BBQ and water for all the runners and volunteers. Pete's Deli also provided coffee and sweet treats. “The support and co-operation in the local community amazes me every year,” stated Constable Paul Neumann, one of the event coordinators. “Everyone pulls together to create a successful event to raise awareness for Special Olympics and raise much needed funds for the organization”. Although the exact final tally is not available yet, it is confirmed that over $14,000 was raised this year at the local torch run. “We may match or even exceed our best year so far, which was in 2012 when we almost hit $15,000,” said Neumann. There are several ways that money is raised. First, all runners pay a $25 registration fee. Many of the registered runners raise further funds by collecting pledges. Most of our runners are part of organizational teams. This year's runs teams included Shelburne and District Fire Department, Dufferin County Paramedic Service, Shelburne Police Service, Dufferin OPP, Centre Dufferin District High School, Dufferin Child and Family Services, Georgian College Employment Services, KTH Shelburne Manufacturing, PACE Credit Union, RBC Shelburne, Shelburne Residence, John's No Frills, Town of Shelburne, Small Town Dental, and Trillium Ford. A nice surprise this year was when RBC pledged $1,000 in support of its run team. Funds are also raised through corporate sponsorships, as well as individual and corporate donations. The main sponsor continues to be Scotia Bank First Street Orangeville Branch, who for the past four years has matched up to $5000 of donations. Other significant sponsors include KTH Shelburne Manufacturing, Shelburne Free Press, Orangeville Citizen, Downey's Farms, John's No Frills, Shelburne Residence, Main Street Dental, Pete's Deli, Shelburne Home Hardware, Trillium Ford, Auto Centre Dufferin, and Stock Transportation. “Many thanks to all our sponsors, run teams, volunteers, and the community as a whole for continuing to support this worthy cause and making this event a success year after year!,” declared Neumann.
Trent and Yazmine Wilson ages 11
Norma Wallace holding the torch
Participant's from CDDHS
Participant's from Dr. Gewarges Small Town Family Dental office
Participant's from KTH, Constable Paul Neumann far left back row
