365 sports keeping the FUN in fundraising for Make-A-Wish Canada in 2022
March, 2022
With the virtual Captain Canada run and in-person Foam Fest events on the horizon,
there’s something for everyone this summer.
Since 2016, 365 sports and entertainment has partnered with Make-A-Wish® Canada to help raise critical funds for the granting of life-changing wishes. During the COVID-19 pandemic, even during periods when in-person events were not possible, their support continued with unique virtual events such as the HoHoHo Holiday 5K and Captain Canada runs.
“We’re thrilled to say that to kick off 2022, not only is 365 Sports coming back with their Captain Canada 5K virtual event,” said Alyson Geary, Director, National Corporate Alliances, Make-A-Wish Canada, “they’re also bringing back an in-person event in the Ontario market with seven Foam Fest events throughout the summer months. We’re so excited to have a great mix of virtual offerings, and in-person events from 365 Sports, for our supporters to choose from.”
Foam Fest enjoyed great success prior to the pandemic; a one-of-a-kind obstacle course-based run that brings thousands of participants together in a battle over 22 obstacles including the world’s largest inflatable waterslide, mud pits and 2.5 million cubic feet of foam all in support of Make-A-Wish.
“365 Sports is incredibly proud to announce that the 5K Foam Fest fun run has returned in Ontario for 2022 and we’re excited to have the opportunity to continue our support to Make-A-Wish® Canada as our national charity partner” says Mike Lambert, Vice President and General Manager, 365 Sports. “Walk it, charge it, run it or fun it! We don’t care how you participate, just come up and support our tradition of raising critical funds to help support Make-A-Wish Canada’s goal to bring every eligible child’s wish to life. Because of the generosity of our #fundraisingfoamies, this event has raised over $200,000 to date and we look forward to another positive and impactful year of supporting wishes across Canada”.
And, for those who aren’t in Ontario this summer, the Captain Canada 5K run is available to all Canadians, wherever you happen to be, between June 25th and July 2nd 2022.
This 5km or 10km red & white, flag-wearing, all Canadian experience brings people together through community engagement and fitness. Be a SuperHero for Make-A-Wish Canada! This summer join thousands of fellow Canucks who are showing their patriotism in their local community while choosing to raise funds to support Make-A-Wish Canada. Be a Captain for Canada! Each registration includes a Canadian flag (wear it then hang it proudly!) branded buff, finishers medal, tattoos, timing app, and shipping.
“We’re equally proud to have the opportunity to continue our support of Make-A-Wish through the 2022 Captain Canada 5K – Virtual Edition” says Lambert. “When we learned there is a backlog of wishes as a result of the pandemic we were inspired even more to work with our generous community of event participants to raise much needed funds to help support Make-A-Wish’s goal to bring every eligible child’s wish to life. We have a whole network of superheroes across Canada that have the power to make an immediate difference in the lives of these wish kids and we’re excited to continue our tradition of supporting Make-A-Wish”.
To register for the Captain Canada 5K run, visit: https://captaincanadarun.com/
To register for an available 5K Foam Fest Fun Run, visit: https://the5kfoamfest.com/canada/
MEET THE AMBASSADORS:
5K Foam Fest Fun Run: BennettBennet is a seven-year-old boy who loves tacos, pizza, Lego, SpongeBob, bubble-gum ice cream, his PlayStation, the Toronto Maple Leafs, playing superheroes with his brother and all things outdoors like camping, fishing, hiking and gardening with his Dad. Bennett was diagnosed with cancer at a young age, which no child should ever have to face. When it came time to his wish, it was no surprise that Bennet picked a camping trailer. “I love camping and going on cool adventures, and it’s like a house” says Bennet. The most important part of his wish was spending time with his family. “We were all so overwhelmed as we watched Bennet head into his Wish Day! It went perfectly and Bennet was overcome with shock and joy!’ says wish mom Justine. “After going through a cancer diagnosis, treatment and now navigating the lifelong effects of the chemotherapy at such a young age, it was so exciting for Bennet and us to have the focus shift to something fun for our family! We love camping and the outdoors and receiving the trailer opened up so many doors for adventure in the years to come! We are so grateful for the joy and excitement this wish has provided for our family”.
Captain Canada 5K: Aeriyle
“Aeriyle has leukemia. With those three words, our world was turned upside down, said Aeriyle’s mom, Angie. “Our daughter was just five years old when we had to face the biggest fight of our lives. And shortly after Aeriyle started chemotherapy treatment just one day after her diagnosis, my husband caught COVID-19, which only added to the challenges we were facing. Then, despite all our precautions, Aeriyle tested positive for the virus, too. Fortunately, Aeriyle recovered but you can imagine, after months of hospital visits and the COVID scare, there was very little joy in our lives. Just so much sickness and worry for Aeriyle, our family and me. Then Make-A-Wish told us they were going to grant Aeriyle’s wish. Just hearing the news was like a gift of hope for her and all of us. For as long as we can remember, Aeriyle dreamt of having an English Bulldog to love and cuddle. Thanks to generous donors like you, we welcomed Cujo into our home and it was like Christmas in July.”