Town of Stouffville hosts fourth annual Main Street 5K in support of Markham Stouffville Hospital
On Sunday, June 21, more than 1,200 community supporters came together for the fourth annual Stouffville Main Street 5K, raising an incredible $121,446. The Town of Stouffville and the Office of Mayor Iain Lovatt hosted the community event in support of Oak Valley Health’s Markham Stouffville Hospital (MSH).
Since its inception in 2023, the Stouffville Main Street 5K is held each year on Father’s Day and is open to both recreational and competitive participants. The event raises awareness for the MSH programs and services available to the Stouffville community and fundraises much needed support for the hospital.
“The Stouffville Main Street 5K has become one of the many ways Stouffville residents are showing their commitment to local health care. We’ve already achieved incredible things in support of our hospital, but this is only the beginning,” says Stouffville Mayor, Iain Lovatt. “Working alongside the hospital is a key part of building a complete community, and I’m proud of everything we’ve accomplished together and excited for what’s still ahead.”
In honour of Father’s Day, grateful patient Sara Marino and her family participated in the Stouffville Main Street 5K. MSH has cared for multiple generations of Sara’s family, including the births of Sara, her siblings, and most recently her niece. The hospital also cared for her father while he underwent treatment for a rare cancer before his passing in 2009, leaving Sara with lasting memories of the compassion shown to her family during a difficult time.
“I remember the doctors being so kind to me and my younger cousin,” says Sara. “While my mom and aunt were focused on everything happening with my dad, they brought us into a private room and gave us Christmas presents. As a child, that meant so much.”
Health care’s complex landscape is rapidly evolving. The MSH of tomorrow must be ready for what lies ahead while continuing to transform care delivery for the growing, aging, and diverse community. Proceeds from the event will enable the purchase of leading-edge equipment and the enhancement of patient care at MSH. Government funding alone can’t keep pace with all the hospital’s priority needs. Through MSH Foundation, community investment helps ensure the hospital can continue to expand its unique campus, grow its programs and services around real patient needs, and provide exceptional care close to home.
“The continued success of the Stouffville Main Street 5K reflects the incredible generosity and spirit of this community,” says Allan Bell, Vice President, Community Relations & Corporate Partnerships, MSH Foundation. “We are proud to partner with the Town of Stouffville and thank everyone who participated for coming together to invest in exceptional care close to home.”