On May 11, 2024 The Andrew Dunn Foundation held our Walk/Run event in Oakbank to help raise awareness to mental health and to raise funds to support and promote mental wellness in our communities. Due to the pandemic this marked the first time back since 2019. We would like to send out a huge thank you to our supporters—participants, volunteers, sponsors and those who donated items for the silent auction. We could not have had a successful event without your strong support and belief in our cause.

Thank you to the many enthusiastic participants that joined us for the return of our annual event. Your energy and enthusiasm made it a lot of fun for all, and such a positive family day!  With all of your help, we were able to raise over $26,000 on our reboot year!  This year we recognized two teams for the most pledges raised. Thank you to Team Mega Derek – In memory of Derek Bridgman and Team Bud – In memory of Charles (Bud) Lloyd.  The individual for most pledges raised was Nicole Morin.

Thank you to Ace (Dave) Burpee for joining us again as MC. He keeps us on track. Thank you also to Marion Ellis, CEO of Interlake Eastern Regional Health Authority and to Patrick Therrien, mayor RM of Springfield for opening remarks. Many thanks also to Louie and Teresa Gmiterek of Twilite Productions for the sound system and music who have supported us before, during and after the pandemic.  And sending a thank you to Chrissy Barbeau who produced some additional new on-line promotional materials.

Thank you to our 60+ volunteers who worked to make this event run smoothly. Not only did you do the tasks assigned, but you also took the initiative to help out wherever it was needed. This year we had an extra challenge in needing to clear the arena quickly for another event and with the help of the Springfield Collegiate Institute Sabres football team and many volunteers the take down operation ran in record fast time!

The event could not have been a success without the help of:

• The Kinsmen who worked tirelessly helping to set up the event, organize the refreshments, cook the food and clear the arena. They also provided many of the event supplies.

• Oakbank  Co-op Market Place have always been there to support us even through the pandemic. This year, as in the past they put together and provided refreshments, collected funds through donation cards and bake sale.

• Access Credit Union who supported us through staff fundraising initiatives and volunteering.

• RM of Springfield who supported us by providing porta potties and whose employees helped in so many ways with promotion, supplies and logistics.

• Oakbank Community Club who once again provided us with space and also helped us with the set up and take down R.M. of Springfield.

• Citizens on Patrol who provided guidance and volunteers to keep us safe.

• Thank you to all of our sponsors. It was great to have some of our previous sponsors return and some new sponsors come forth.  Sponsorship came in the form of cash, service in kind and silent auction donations.  Cash and service in kind sponsors were: Access Credit Union, Oakbank Co-op Market Place,  Clipper, Oakbank Pharmasave, Oakbank Convenience and Esso, DC Accounting,, Glacial Aggregates, Chicken Daze, Gee Tee Holdings Inc. Sternat Manaigre Law Corporation, Volosha Hair Studio,. Springfield Regional Committee (Another Time Around), Citizens on Patrol, Springfield Fire and Rescue Service, Canadian First Aid Training, and Brothers Lock and Safe.

• Thank you to those who donated to the Silent Auction.  Andy Bell, Asham Curling Supplies, Ashley Giesbrecht, Brett Howden/Vegas Golden Knights, Caroline Whyte, Danica Onsowich, Deanna Hart, Dena Grieve – Sweet Sheets, Dugald Store, Elaine Bohemier, Eliana Booy, Goldeyes Baseball, Huey & Coco Pet Store, Kari Goodall, Low Life Barrel House, Lynn Marusyk, Marc Lange Welding & Repair, Oakbank Kinsmen, Old Dutch Chips, Peppercorn Restaurant, Pine Ridge Dental,  Pine Ridge Physiotherapy, Project 11, Rae’s Bistro, Shannon Schultz, Tami Brisson-Epicure , Timothy’s Butcher Shop, Trina Verrier’s Tasty Treats, Winnipeg Jets, Winnipeg Goldeyes, Yvonne Kehler.

Please plan on joining us on Saturday, May 10, 2025 for the 15th Andrew Dunn Walk/Run. We love to have you as part of our team.

Thank you from the Andrew Dunn Foundation committee members: Sue Mackenzie (chair) Tami Brisson (vice-chair) Bob Conarroe (treasurer) Irene Peters (secretary) Judy Dunn (founding member) and members at large Colleen Boomer, Curtis Vanhove, Brian and Lisa Westcott, Kari Goodall, and Ruth Ann Furgala,