The fifth annual Mississippi Mills River Walk & Run on Saturday, Sept. 8 is shaping up to be the biggest and best yet with more than 140 participants already registered. Many of those participants have registered as part of a team which is a major focus this year. “We’ve got 19 teams already,” said AGH FVM Foundation Vice Chair Julie Munro, who is also chairing the event committee. “They are all fundraising their sneakers off so, we have some really fun team spirit and challenges going. It’s so exciting to think of what that will mean for the financial success of this important event.”
Thanks to corporate sponsors Shoppers Drug Mart, Orchard View by the Mississippi, Levi Home Hardware Building Centre, Priority Patient Transfer Service, Almonte Chiropractic, Bean Chevrolet Buick GMC, Almonte Civitan Club, and the Carleton Place-Almonte Canadian Gazette, all funds raised from the walk/run supports the purchase of diagnostic equipment for women’s health and the Hospital’s ever expanding Obstetrics Unit. 
“Everyone is encouraged, but families in particular that have had their children at the Hospital, are asked to come out to walk or run with us to celebrate this great facility and quality healthcare close to home” said Munro. “Another way to participate is to shop the online auction taking place on our home page between now and Sept. 6.”
The Mississippi Mills River Walk & Run features three different distances: a 3 km timed, 3km recreational, 5km timed and 10km timed. Pre and post walk or run events include Zumba warm up, musical entertainment, breakfast served by the Almonte Civitan Club, massages, recovery food and children’s activities like face painting, a bouncy castle and more. As well as registration, which only costs $30 in advance, individuals and teams are encouraged to collect donations to support your event participation. Pledge incentives such as gift certificates for Lee Valley Tools, Patrice’s Independent Grocer and Shoppers Drug Mart are awarded depending on the amount of pledges collected. The highest individual fundraisers and fundraising teams win prizes including tickets to see the Ottawa Senators.
Last year more than 240 walkers and runners took to the streets in support of the event, which begins and ends behind the Hospital and Fairview Manor at 95 Spring St. The first group leaves at 8:45 a.m. and it all wraps up by noon. Some road closures in and around the Hospital will be necessary but residents will be advised in advance.