Fifth annual fundraiser raises record-breaking sum – over $18,500 – to help people recover from substance use disorders.
June 3, 2024 – Whitby – Runners and walkers had a spring in their step at the Fifth Annual Renascent Road to Recovery Walk/Run. This year’s fundraiser brought in over $18,500 – the highest sum to date – to support the delivery of life-saving addiction treatment at Renascent’s Centres.
The event, held on June 1 at Lakefront West Park in Oshawa, was attended by the Member of Parliament for Durham, the Honorable Jamil Jivani, who delivered opening remarks to the participants, and presented Renascent with a Letter of Congratulations for its long-standing commitment to serving people coping with drug and alcohol addiction. Renascent alumni, clients, and staff then walked a scenic five-kilometer route along the Durham Region waterfront. Afterwards, attendees enjoyed a lunchtime fellowship and a delicious BBQ meal at the Paul J. Sullivan Centre in Brooklin.
Every year, Renascent hosts this event to raise awareness of the devastating impact of addiction on individuals and communities, challenge the stigma associated with substance use disorders, and generate funds so those struggling can access Renascent’s treatment programs.
“Addiction continues to be a serious issue that our society grapples with. The event’s growth, year over year, is a testament to the power of community – those directly and indirectly impacted by addiction coming together to support a life-changing cause,” said Laura Bhoi, CEO of Renascent. “We are incredibly grateful to every donor and participant for their invaluable support, which will help Renascent provide critical addiction treatment programs and services for those who cannot afford them.”
The Road to Recovery Walk/Run, popular among former Renascent clients, their loved ones, and others affected by addiction, has drawn an increasing number of participants each year.
“I was pleased to participate in the walk again this year. This is a cause that is near and dear to my heart. As someone who has benefitted from Renascent’s programs and services, I am proud to participate with my family whenever I can,” said Dustin Cunning, Renascent Alumni and Staff. “Most people cannot afford the cost of addiction treatment, and I am grateful that recovery programs like Renascent’s are available to people who are exactly where I was over seven years ago.”
While Renascent receives Ontario Government funding for a portion of its treatment programs, the actual cost of delivering these services is greater. Renascent relies on the generosity of donors to help fund its Live-in, Continuing Care, Family, Children, and Alumni Programs.
“Addiction touches all of us, so I cannot underscore the importance of this community event enough. Almost 55 years ago, Renascent was born out of the desire to help others in an unprecedented way. As a not-for-profit and a charity, we are proud to help people in communities across Ontario recover,” said Tania Archer, Director of Business Development and Philanthropy at Renascent.
Renascent is deeply grateful to this year’s event participants, supporters, donors, and sponsors for their support. Sponsors included Courtney’s Distribution Inc., Diamond Landscaping, Flanagan Food Service, and Valles Fruit Market and Garden Centre.
Fundraising for the Renascent Road to Recovery Walk/Run is open until June 30, 2024. To donate, visit renascent.ca/road-to-recovery.
About Renascent and Renascent Foundation
Renascent has been a trusted leader in the treatment of substance use and concurrent mental disorders for over 50 years; helping more than 50,000 people experiencing addiction on their road to recovery. Renascent is an accredited non-profit treatment centre, which provides hope and healing to individuals, families, loved ones, communities, and organizations impacted by addiction.
Renascent Foundation enables the health and well-being of people experiencing addiction by inspiring investment in to mental health and addictions programs and services.
For more information, contact: Donna Harris
416-873-5743
dharris@renascent.ca
