You won’t believe how much money AGH’s Women’s Health Run/Walk raised for their 10th anniversary – it’s a jaw-dropping $61,000!

A record $61,000 was raised from the AGH’s 10th Annual Run/Walk in Support of Women’s Health and the Birthing Center at Almonte General Hospital, Presented by Canadian Tire (Carleton Place), held on Saturday June 10 in the morning. More than 300 walkers, runners and volunteers contributed to raising the record amount.

Local business owner Darrell Graham of Darrell Thomas Textiles on Mill Street carried the fundraising baton to the finish line in style by personally raising $23,000 from family, friends, customers and vendors.

“I am very honored to be a resident of Almonte and truly believe in giving back to my community,” Thomas said. “The hospital helps people every day, so when you need help, I take the challenge. Words cannot express how grateful I am for all the support my friends, clients, and community have shown me during this fundraising campaign. I ran this race for the hospital and also for all the donors.”

For his tremendous fundraising efforts, Darrell was the second annual recipient of the Margaret Duncan Memorial Award. A lifelong resident of Mississippi Mills, Margaret was a tireless supporter of the hospital and mansion she participated in and supported her career until her passing in 2022 at the age of 94.

The Unicorn Team, led by incoming Foundation board member Christine Deugo, raised $5,165 to win the Margaret Duncan Memorial Team Award. Team Unicorn narrowly edged out last year’s winner, Team Country Roads, led by Foundation Board Member Jesse Lowe, who raised $5,150.

Prizes including a two-person kayak, outdoor pizza oven, Shania Twain Bluesfest and tickets to Cirque du Soleil were just a few of the prizes participants took home for their fundraising efforts. Prizes were also awarded to the top two female and male finishers in all timed events. The official schedules of all participants are available at: https://runninggoattiming.com/most-recent-race-results/ Scroll down to AGH Run and select the route for the timed result.

The morning event, which featured three different routes: 3K, 5K and 10K, took participants through the beautiful town of Almonte, near the Mississippi River, beginning and ending behind the Hospital and Fairview Manor. .

“We couldn’t be happier with this year’s results,” said an excited Julie Munro, chair of the Volunteer Organizing Committee. “A lot of people went above and beyond this year and that’s why we raised the most money ever. These funds will help the Foundation finance urgently needed equipment at our birthing center and in support of women’s health care. My son was born here, so I know how important that is.”

Now in her 10’s^he year, the AGH Run/Walk for Women’s Health has raised more than $300,000 to help the Hospital purchase ultrasound machines, fetal heart monitors, operating room lights and an operating table, a specialized scale to weigh babies, IV pumps, and new deliveries and delivery beds. This year’s windfall will help fund a Panda Warmer.

In addition to Canadian Tire (Carleton Place), other partners that contributed to the success of the event included: Advanced Air Quality, Almonte Civitan, Orchard View by the Mississippi, Dandelion Foods/Pure Labs Vitamins, Equator Coffee Roasters, Joanne Beaton, EXP Realty, Dock Master, Almonte Fitness Center, Almonte Inferno Hockey Club, Bean Chevrolet, Lanark County Paramedic Service, Goldie Mohr, Element Massage, Westview Projects, OWCA, Lanark Pure Country Springs, and Vodkow.

The AGH FVM Foundation works with the community through events and activities such as the AGH Run for Women’s Health to raise the necessary funds to enable the Hospital and Manor to purchase urgently needed medical equipment.

For more information on how to support the Hospital or the mansion, visit: www.almontehospitalfoundation.com or call 613-256-2500 extension 2296