Staff writer – The Barrie Construction Association report
The third annual Base Borden run, scheduled for October 21, 2012, will follow on the success of the first two fund-raising initiatives to fund scholarships for dependents or spouses of serving Canadian Forces members at Georgian College.
The Barrie Construction Association and the Canadian Home Builders Association – Simcoe County – have taken leadership roles in the run, which has already raised close to $50,000, says BCA administrative director Alison Smith.
“The first Base Borden Run in October 2010 had hoped to raise $10,000,” Smith said. “That expectation was exceeded by the generosity of the 426 participants and community sponsors, who gave back nearly $20,000. Just as the 2010 run was a resounding success, so was the 2011 event, with double the number of participants and $27,000 raised for Operation Hero.”
Smith says Jamie Massie, an honorary colonel with CFB Borden and a local business leader, launched the scholarship-raising Operation Hero initiative in support of CFB Borden, Canada’s largest military training base, which is home to nearly 1,800 soldiers, sailors and airman and women.
“This campaign is a great way for the community to say ‘Thank you’ to those serving our company at home and abroad,” she said.
Two scholarships, named in honour of Prv. Kevin Thomas McKay and Sapper Brian Collier, both killed by an IED while serving in Afghanistan, have been awarded to local students.
The 2012 Base Borden Run has been scheduled for October 21st. Please go to www.operationhero.ca or www.barrieca.com for more information.
“There is an amazing team of professionals behind the organization of the race, of which the BCA and the CHBA – Simcoe County are proud to be a part of,” Smith said.
The overall Operation Hero fund-raising project aims to raise $1 million to fund the scholarships in perpetuity. So far, more than $750,000 has been raised through a diversity of activities, including the Base Borden Run.
