More than 550 runners and walkers braved chilly temperatures at Couchiching Beach Park Saturday morning to participate in Charlee’s Run, a fundraiser in honour of Charlee Clare Holmes, who died in 2011, just hours after her birth.
Her parents, Dave and Mallory Holmes, decided to turn their grief into something positive and have put their heart and soul into organizing the fund-raiser. At last year’s inaugural event, 372 runners raised about $40,000 to support the neo-natal intensive care unit at Orillia’s Soldiers’ Memorial Hospital (OSMH).
This year, the fundraising total was already at $42,000 before proceeds were tallied from cupcake sales, a silent auction and the flood of last-minute entries.
“We are overwhelmed,” said an emotional Mallory Holmes, standing beside her husband, moments after waves of runners left the park for their five- or one-kilometre treks.
Earlier, the couple was honoured by OSMH Foundation executive director Mark Riczu, who surprised them by unveiling a plaque that will forever recognize their daughter.
Riczu explained that last year’s run helped support the hospital’s new neo-natal intensive care unit. “In that space, there will now be a plaque in Pod C which is dedicated to the generosity of Charlee’s Run and in memory of Charlee Clare Holmes.”
A plaque will also be given to the Holmes, who Riczu praised for their hard work and passion. “They’re just such genuine, good-natured, ordinary folks who had a terrible tragedy befall them in their family. But they’ve made this incredible and amazing event out of that in tribute to Charlee as well as to raise awareness about infant loss,” he said.
The recognition brought tears to the eyes of Charlee’s parents.
“Charlee only ever knew Soldiers’, that was her home,” said Mallory. “So to have her name on the wall of the place she knew and knowing she will forever be there and knowing we can go and visit … it’s pretty spectacular.”
Dave Holmes agreed. However, he stressed they are not doing this for recognition.
“When we set out to do this, we never wanted to do it for recognition,” he said. “It was to bring awareness to pregnancy and infant loss to not only help us have an outlet, but for other families that have had to go through the biggest tragedy one could ever imagine.”
And that is what drives them.
“When we lost Charlee, we didn’t think anyone would remember her. So, to see 500 people standing there, remembering her with us and remembering their own stories with us is more than any parent could want,” said Mallory.
Money from this year’s event will support the creation of a new outpatient pediatric clinic, currently under construction at OSMH.
Dr. Rob Meeder, an Orillia pediatrician, said they “see about 11,000 kids come through our door each year.” But, unfortunately, those parents have to go through a lot of doors as services are spread throughout the community. The clinic will bring all those supports under one roof.
“It can be scary and quite intimidating when you’re a child or a family that needs care and we thought, ‘Wouldn’t it be nice if we could co-locate all those services under one roof so a child only has to come to one place to get all that care?’”
He said that would also allow caregivers to better collaborate and work together. “We are so thrilled and excited that’s going to happen,” Meeder said. “Construction is underway and proceeds from this run will make that an even better and more amazing part of our hospital.”
For the Holmes family, it seemed natural to raise money for the new clinic.
“Charlee was born and cared for in the hallways of OSMH and we cannot be more excited to see her legacy supporting such a deserving unit,” said Mallory. “The staff, many of whom are here today, go above and beyond in every shift. Thanks to staff of OSMH because you really are the hearts of those hallways.”
This year’s event attracted participants of all ages in addition to several teams organized by grieving parents and families. That’s why this year’s event T-shirts had a place in which runners could write the names of lost loved ones.
“This day isn’t just about Charlee,” said Mallory. “It’s named in memory of her, but it’s in honour of all those lives lost too soon and who should have been here with us today.”
After the speeches, a bubble ceremony was held “to honour all those tiny lives by letting thousands of bubbles float over Lake Couchiching.” Then, Mike and Maria McConnell of CrossFit Orillia led the participants in a mass warm-up before they headed out on the trails.
This year’s title sponsors were Subaru of Orillia and Orillia Kia. R Cottage provided healthy eats, Shine Juice Bar provided Smoothies, Zehr’s Orillia provided fresh fruit and water and McDonald’s had a McCafe on site providing free coffee.
In addition, more than 60 volunteers lent their support in various ways. “We couldn’t do it without them,” said Dave. “They have been incredible.”
A final fundraising tally will be announced at a later date.
