Orillia Soldiers’ Memorial Hospital Foundation (Soldiers’ Foundation) is excited to announce that Charlee’s Run is the recipient of Ripple of Kindness (ROK) Orillia Chapter’s recent donation.
The annual Charlee’s Run is one of four signature events hosted by the Soldiers’ Foundation to support our local healthcare services. It is named in honour of Charlee Clare Holmes, who passed away in 2011 only a few hours after birth. Her parents, Dave and Mallory Holmes, started the run as a way to raise awareness and end the silence surrounding pregnancy and infant loss.
For Charlee’s parents, Dave and Mallory Holmes, knowing they have such incredible support from the community inspires them to keep making a difference.
“An act of unbelievable kindness such as this allows for families of loss to know they are not alone”, Dave and Mallory Holmes said when they received news of the donation. “There is a village of people who hear our stories, share our tears and provide the platform for us to continue to share the memories of our little ones.”
Ripple of Kindness Orillia is a collective giving circle made up of generous women who recognize the need to support local organizations and contribute together – to make a larger, more impactful, donation than they could typically give individually.
“Once again, our members have voted for another well-deserving recipient, Charlee’s Run. We are grateful for our membership continuing to support ROK and therefore essential programs, including medical equipment for Soldiers’ Memorial Hospital”, says Orillia Chapter co-director, Amber McGarvey-Moreland. “It was clear while meeting Charlee’s grandparents, Christine and Rick Anderson, their passion for helping others was palpable, and that value mirrors those of our members”.
“The results of our members latest vote emphasise the importance this cause is to many in our community. It is evident that those who have struggled are not alone.” Says Orillia Chapter co-director, Raquel Ness.
Charlee’s Run has raised more than $425,000 for Orillia Soldiers’ Memorial Hospital’s Neonatal and Paediatric needs.
With the ROK Orillia donation, this year’s event is on track to be its most successful. The approximately $25,000 donation will be used towards essential equipment to provide care and comfort to Neonatal and Paediatric patients.
“This is the largest one-time donation to Charlee’s Run to date”, Dave and Mallory Holmes said. “As a family, we have cried many happy tears knowing the immeasurable impact these funds will have on countless families in our community; it is beyond what words can say.”
Charlee’s Run has been nominated since ROK Orillia first started in 2019. The timing for this gift couldn’t be more perfect, with the seventh annual Charlee’s Run taking place Saturday, May 6th at Tudhope Park.
“Thank you to ROK for recognizing the voice of the Charlee’s Run village”, said Dave and Mallory Holmes. “Together we will continue to shatter the silence surrounding pregnancy and infant loss!”
Charlee’s Run is a 1 kilometre/5 kilometre run/walk for all ages. Along with the run, attendees can also expect family friendly activities, live entertainment, food trucks, and memorial keepsakes. To register for the event and to make a donation, please visit CharleesRun.com.