Vaughan, ON (May 14, 2024) – Excitement was high at Canada’s Wonderland on Saturday, May 11, 2024, with more than 1,500 people gathered in support of Mackenzie Health Foundation’s 19th annual Strides for Mackenzie Health. To date, the annual event has raised more than $275,000 for Cortellucci Vaughan Hospital and Mackenzie Richmond Hill Hospital and donations are still coming in.
“The passion and commitment our community has to support their local hospitals is inspiring,” said Nicole McCahon, President and CEO, Mackenzie Health Foundation. “We are so grateful to everyone who joined us, donated, sponsored and volunteered; it takes a village, and it’s because of the remarkable support of our community that we are able to equip our hospitals and health care professionals with the tools and resources they need to provide exceptional health care. Your contributions are truly life changing.”
The event brought together individuals and families from Vaughan, Richmond Hill, King and surrounding communities to walk or run 5 kilometres throughout Canada’s Wonderland – located just across the street from Cortellucci Vaughan Hospital and a few kilometres from Mackenzie Richmond Hill Hospital. One of those individuals was Samantha Kent, who, six months ago, was fighting for her life at Cortellucci Vaughan Hospital after becoming septic from E. coli poisoning.
“It was sheer terror, not knowing if I was going to survive. Mackenzie Health and their incredible team of doctors and nurses saved my life,” said Samantha. “Running the 5 km at Strides for Mackenzie Health is not just about crossing a finish line; it’s about honouring the incredible individuals who gave me a second chance at life, and for that, I’m forever grateful.”
All funds raised will have a direct and significant impact on Mackenzie Health's highest priority needs, equipping its hospitals and health care professionals with the equipment and technology needed to provide exceptional, life-saving care to patients like Samantha and thousands of others.
“It is vital that Mackenzie Health keeps pace with the rapid growth of the region, which is why continued generosity from our community is so important,” says Altaf Stationwala, President and CEO, Mackenzie Health. “On behalf of the patients we serve, and all our staff, physicians and volunteers, I extend my heartfelt thanks for the incredible support of this year’s Strides for Mackenzie Health.”
Presenting Partner PureHealth Pharmacy, Canada’s Wonderland, Magna, Zancor Homes, and others generously provided sponsorships.
There’s still time to make an impact. Donations can be made to support the event until May 31 at MHFStrides.ca.
To learn more or donate to Mackenzie Health Foundation, please visit mackenziehealthfoundation.ca.
About Mackenzie Health and Mackenzie Health Foundation
Mackenzie Health is a dynamic regional health care provider. Mackenzie Health includes Cortellucci Vaughan Hospital and Mackenzie Richmond Hill Hospital, each with a full-service emergency department, core services such as surgery, medicine and critical care along with specialized programs. Its community-based locations and services continue to provide additional support to western York Region and beyond.
By inspiring meaningful gifts, Mackenzie Health Foundation helps ensure compassionate and leading-edge care continues to be available for the people of York Region. Community donors recently helped build and equip Cortellucci Vaughan Hospital and enhance care at Mackenzie Richmond Hill Hospital thanks to the generous support of the $250-million Ultimate campaign – the largest campaign led by a community hospital in Canada. Going forward, fundraising efforts will ensure a steady flow of resources to attract the very best talent, advance excellence in programs and services and secure the latest equipment and technology as Mackenzie Health focuses on providing the best possible outcomes for every patient who comes through its doors.
Mackenzie Health is proud to serve a population of more than half a million people across western York Region and beyond. It is one of the fastest growing and most diverse communities in Canada. For more information, please visit mackenziehealth.ca or mackenziehealthfoundation.ca.
Media contact:
Christina Cindric, Senior Communications Consultant and Public Affairs Lead
christina.cindric@mackenziehealth.ca
905-883-1212 ext. 7490
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More than 1,500 members from the western York Region community and beyond participated in Strides for Mackenzie Health at Canada’s Wonderland on May 11, 2024. |
Samantha Kent celebrates her 5K run at Strides for Mackenzie Health just six months after the team at Cortellucci Vaughan Hospital saved her life. |
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From left: Altaf Stationwala, Mackenzie Health President and CEO, David Stolte, Mackenzie Health Vice President of Strategy and Program Support Services, Nicole McCahon, Mackenzie Health Foundation President and CEO, Joyce Frustaglio, member of the Mackenzie Health Foundation Board of Directors and Strides Committee Co-chair, and Dr. Steven Jackson, Mackenzie Health Vice President of Medical Planning and Chief of Staff pose for a photo after the 5K. |
A family enjoys the sunshine after completing their 5K at Canada’s Wonderland in support of Mackenzie Health. |
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A family celebrates with their medals after crossing the finish line at the 19th annual Strides for Mackenzie Health. |
From left: Luci Anderson, Mackenzie Health Foundation Vice President of Philanthropy, Seyfi Tomar, Strides Committee Co-chair, Nicole McCahon, Mackenzie Health Foundation President and CEO, Joyce Frustaglio, member of the Mackenzie Health Foundation Board of Directors and Strides Committee Co-chair and Matthew Bracco, Mackenzie Health Foundation Signature Events Specialist celebrate as the community raises more than $275,000 (and counting!) in support of Mackenzie Health. |