Stronger, Together

Sunday was the date for the CIBC Run for the Cure in Dwight. Last year, this run brought in $54,000 (give or take). I thought that was a huge dollar amount from a small community.

This year, Dwight was recognized as one of the National Run Sites, because of the spirit and committment shown by all participants and organizers.

So it was no surprise when some 220 participants arrived. They were entertained by the Northern Lights Steel Band Orchestra, one of our very favourite group of musicians.

"Oh Canada" was sung by Grade 6 student Hailey Scott, who did an outstanding job of taking that microphone and singing out proud.

Alex Cousentine brought the pace car, a 1957 Chevy Bel-Aire.

Dogs of all sorts appeared to Walk the Walk with their people. Some had come from the Paws for Paws fundraiser in Huntsville for the SPCA, so Sunday, with its crisp clean air and sunshine was an exceptional outdoors day for the dogs.

People ran, walked, pole-walked, dog-walked and pushed strollers along Dwight Beach Road, closed to traffic for the occasion.

It was an ocean of pink... who knew that pink was now a verb? "We're really pinked," one lady said to me, showing off her pink feather boa and tiara. We had teams -- families, friends, even the Painted Brownies and Sparks from Port Sydney were out. Individuals. Partners.

Trey, from FITT GYM got the crowd up and moving before they headed out.

As M.C., I had the honour of introducing the guest speakers, and helping to thank the sponsors. I'm going to let you go to the CIBC Run for the Cure website for more stories from the run.

But I'm also going to share some great news with you. This year, Lynn and her team of organizers, CIBC, the CBCF and all the fabulous folks who came out pinked to the max for this event? Well, they raised $62,800.

Wow. We truly are stronger, together. And cancer CAN be beaten.

Way to Go, CIBC Run for the Cure

Those who think Dwight is a small town should pause to consider that it has an enormous heart. The CIBC Run for the Cure rolled into the Community Centre this morning. Over 200 people lined up at the start to run for research to cure breast cancer. The wonderful folks from the Northern Lights Steel Pan Orchestra, based out of -- all the unlikely places -- Sundridge, entertained. The volunteers did a fantastic job of getting people registered, welcomed and onto the course. A sea of pink washed across the parking lot, with eleven teams running to raise money, along with a multitude of individuals. Ernie Martin showed up in the role of the official Pace Car with his official Ernie Martin Chick-mobile, a 1954 Meteor, in mint condition. His daughter Deb drove for him this year, so he could really take in the fall colours and cheer on the runners. A pack of dogs were there, almost all on official CIBC Run for the Cure collars and matching leads. A large box of dog cookies and a water bowl were strategically placed to welcome the four-footed contingent. And the band played on. My gosh, what a group this is. If you have the chance to catch one of their performances, jump at it. When everyone is there, the orchestra numbers about 70 people, ranging in age from 6 to 76, and all of them young at heart. The hint of rain -- well, yes, it finally was much more than a hint -- did nothing to dampen their smiles and enthusiasm. This group plays some 36 engagements during the season, and Dwight was fortunate to have them, playing their last concert of this season. Steel drums as a musical instrument originated at the end of WWII in Trinidad, where the Americans had a refinery, and left a bunch of used, battered oil drums lying about. The locals, ever creative, took these castaways and starting pounding out a toe-tapping beat. Over the years, the pans have been refined, but the island rhythms remain undimmed. If this band doesn't get you moving to the beat, there are two excellent funeral homes in Huntsville that are waiting for you. Now. Meanwhile, when the day was done, the CIBC Run for the Cure in Dwight raised -- wait for it -- $47,500 (give or take)for the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation, which is an outstanding feat. Congratulations to everyone, for making this such a special day.