Aiming to raise $500,000, the annual Southlake Health Foundation fundraiser is open for registration

Community leaders, volunteers, supporters, and sponsors joined Southlake Health and Southlake Health Foundation representatives Monday, January 19 to officially launch the 2026 Nature’s Emporium Run for Southlake.

“Last year was a record breaking event, with over 1650 participants, 120 teams, and an incredible $460,000 raised in support of Southlake Health,” said Jennifer Ritter, President and CEO of Southlake Health Foundation. “This year, we’re aiming to cross that $500,000 fundraising milestone, so we hope every participant will inspire their networks, and help raise a record amount for leading edge care at Southlake.”

Nature’s Emporium, now in their fourteenth year as Title Sponsor for the event, hosted the community launch at their Newmarket flagship location.  Nature’s Emporium CEO, Steve Hollingsworth, spoke enthusiastically of the partnership. “As a community-based business, we believe the Nature’s Emporium Run for Southlake brings our values to life – supporting health, encouraging wellness, and creating space for our community members to show up for one another.  Those are all things that are fundamental to who we are and what we want to continue to promote every chance we get.”

Local dignitaries were on-hand to lend their support to the event, including Mayor John Taylor of the Town of Newmarket, and Mayor Virginia Hackson of the Town of East Gwillimbury.

Vice President of People and Chief Human Resources Officer, Cristina Amaral, delivered heartfelt gratitude on behalf of Southlake Health to participants and the community for their ongoing support.

“Our communities – including our caring donors, supporters and sponsors – make our work at Southlake Health possible, through your fundraising, donations, and support, equipping our teams with what they need to provide leading edge care, close to home. That kindness and generosity is felt, and it fuels the compassion and care you see delivered by our People each and every day, to patients and families who need us most.”

Southlake Health Foundation’s Community Cabinet was recognized for their volunteer support of the event, along with long-standing sponsors and supporters who make the event possible.

Originally started as the Bob Hartwell Challenge in 2002, the Nature’s Emporium Run for Southlake has become Southlake Health Foundation’s largest annual community fundraising event, and has raised more than $2.3 million dollars in support of Southlake Health over the last ten years.

This year’s event takes place on Sunday, April 26, 2026. Featuring a 5 KM run/walk that travels an exclusive route along Davis Drive, directly in front of Southlake Health, the 2026 event will also see the return of the children’s ‘Mini Mile’.

For more information or to register online, visit: www.runforsouthlake.ca