PRESS RELEASE

White Rock, BC – On Sunday, October 28th, the 1st annual Great Pumpkin Run/Walk took place in support of Peace Arch Hospital and Community Health Foundation. Close to 300 walkers and runners and 75 event volunteers from the White Rock, South Surrey and nearby communities participated in the 1 and 5K event in a show of support for quality health care close to home. Presented by Westcoast Hot Yoga, this first-time Halloween-themed event, started and finished at Peace Arch Hospital’s main parking lot and raised over $15,000 for Peace Arch Hospital.

Young and old alike, and people of all physical fitness levels joined together to take part in the event, with the first-place finisher of the 5K race, Ryan Keigher of Cloverdale, crossing the finish line in just over seventeen minutes. Foundation Executive Director, Jackie Smith states, “We are thrilled with the turnout we had for this first-time event and to see so many people out on a Sunday morning walking and running with their friends and families. We were very fortunate to have worked with our event partners Peninsula Runners, the Hospital’s Auxiliary Society and Cardiac Rehab Program to put this event together.” She goes on to say, “A big thank you goes out to our volunteer Event Chair, Louise McKnight, the Event Committee and the many people who participated and volunteered at the Run/Walk!”

Participants at the event also enjoyed complimentary refreshments and displays in the event’s Fair Grounds after the race. The top three individual fundraisers were awarded prizes as well as the top fundraising team and top Cardiac Rehab fundraising team. Part proceeds raised from the event will go towards Peace Arch Hospital’s Partners in Caring Campaign, which aims to raise more than $30 million to support critically needed facility and health care program expansion and upgrades.

This year’s event sponsors included presenting sponsor Westcoast Hot Yoga, Bay Realty Ltd., Peace Arch News, CKNW, Coast Capital Savings and White Rock Honda.

About Peace Arch Hospital and Community Health Foundation
Peace Arch Hospital and Community Health Foundation is an independent charitable society dedicated to raising money to enhance quality health care for the community of White Rock and South Surrey. Having raised over $50 million to date, the Foundation is committed to ensuring 100% of donor dollars goes directly to priority medical equipment purchases for Peace Arch Hospital and to fund vital health care initiatives throughout the community. For information on making a donation, call 604.535.4520 or visit www.peacearchhospital.com.

Media Contact:
Jackie Smith, Executive Director
Peace Arch Hospital and Community Health Foundation
15521 Russell Avenue
White Rock, BC V4B 2R4
Phone: 604.535.4520
Email: jackie.smith@peacearchhospital.com