2009 This year’s Run For Wells, presented by Maple Reinders Constructors Ltd., raised more than enough money for another deep-water well in Africa, bringing the total to three wells in just two years. Runners, sponsors and donors combined to write a cheque for $18,000 to World Vision to bring life-giving, clean water to a community in need.

Extreme adventure athlete Ray Zahab took part in the run and briefly addressed the participants prior to the run. “I’ve been to communities in Africa where they have fresh water and in others where they don’t and I asked the kids in each place what they want to be when they grow up,” Zahab said. “The kids with the fresh water said ‘doctor,’ ‘teacher,’ ‘engineer.’ The kids without water nearby didn’t say much; they certainly didn’t have those kinds of dreams and often that’s because they’re spending their days getting water, just trying to survive, and they don’t have time for things like school. Today’s run is giving more than just water; it’s giving hope.”

The event featured 102 runners in the 5K distance and another 60 or so in the 1K Fun Run.

Winners of the 5K:
Male: Rob Tolman, Erin, ON
Female: Leanne Cooper, Mississauga, ON