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4/30/2008
Run or Walk for Kids Who Don't Always Have the Freedom to Move

Toronto, ON, April 24, 2008—The Easter Seals Run/Walk-a-thon has become a community tradition in the Town of Newmarket. It is held every year on the last Sunday of May at Upper Canada Mall. Thousands of people of all ages gather together to take part in the run/walk-a-thon in support of kids with physical disabilities.

Longtime Newmarket resident Joe Persechini founded the event in 1976 when he and a few friends collected pledges and ran for the first time. Since its humble beginnings, the Easter Seals Run/Walk-a-thon has raised over 3.23 million dollars.

Easter Seals Ontario helps families with the overwhelming costs of raising children with physical disabilities. Families rely on Easter Seals to help purchase expensive equipment needed for mobility and communication, send kids to camp and other recreational programs, and provide access to information and resources. Easter Seals children also get to experience the thrill of attending the province’s only fully accessible summer camps where they can enjoy the outdoor activities that we all take for granted.

New for 2008, the Easter Seals Run-a-thon will be accredited by the Ontario Track & Field Association as a Class A 10km race.

In York Region there are over 400 children and youth with physical disabilities that Easter Seals helps. These kids and their families need public support. On Sunday May 25th at 8:00 a.m., participants can enjoy a 10km walk or run with family and friends for a great cause. To donate or participate, visit www.easterseals.org.

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For media inquiries contact:
Barb Saunders
Easter Seals Ontario
Communications Coordinator
1.800.668.6252 ext. 326
Cell: (416) 655-9546
bsaunders@easterseals.org
www.easterseals.org

For event information contact:
Lory Paterson
Easter Seals Ontario
905.727.8948
lpaterson@easterseals.org