More than 300 registrants braved the scorching sun on Sunday to take part in the Ridge Meadows Hospital Foundation’s 13th annual Fund Run.
It was 23 degrees C at race time, 9 a.m., said organizers.
“We thought last year was hot, but this year was definitely a record for us,” said Laura Butler, with the hospital foundation.
The Drive for the Cure Foundation team had 60 members take part and raised $5,000 in pledges for the foundation.
Scotiabank matched that donation.
Other pledges collected by participants reached $22,000, and counting.
“Our highest total yet,” Butler added.
“We’re still working on our final totals, but it will likely be $41,000.”
Funds raised help purchase essential equipment and high priority needs for Ridge Meadows Hospital.
“This year we’ve committed over $1.2 million in equipment purchases, education grants and special projects at our hospital,” Butler said.
Taking part in the five-kilometre event this year was recent double lung transplant recipient Les Harrison.
Harrison suffered from chronic obstructive pulmonary disease for many years and received new lungs in May 2015.
He credits his successful recovery to the pulmonary rehab program at Ridge Meadows Hospital.
Harrison took part in the Fund Run with the “Rehab Racers” team.
“We get great support from the community for this event – from our sponsors and donors, to the participants and those who donate pledges, to our volunteers who cheer the participants along the course,” Butler said. “We even hear there were a few neighbours out with their hoses to help cool them down along the way. It’s a great day all around.”