Move-a-Thon ‘Moves’ its Way Towards the Finish Line

Kelli McRobert | Jun 05, 2024

It was an idyllic summer afternoon at Centennial Park in Harrowsmith.

The participants of the Frontenac Farmers Market Pickleball Tournament lined the track, their spirits high as they cheered on the final laps of the New Leaf Link Move-a-thon. As the athletes’ approached, some rhythmically beating a drum, others navigating the challenges of uneven terrain, the Pickleballers were taken aback. The wave of emotion rose within them, and tears welled up, as they clapped and cheered for the procession.

Witnessing these individuals rise to the challenge, confidently walking, strolling, and rolling their way towards a well-earned round of applause, a photo opportunity, and a sense of personal achievement was truly inspiring.

The event on Friday, May 31 marked the successful conclusion of the New Leaf Link Move-A-Thon. of a month-long journey of movement and fundraising, with participants, their families, staff, volunteers, and donors joining forces to make a difference in the lives of those served by New Leaf Link.

New Leaf Link, a non-profit organization founded in 2009, provides inclusive and tailored educational day programming to adults living with physical and developmental disabilities. With no government funding, the organization thrives on the generosity of the community through donations, grants, and fundraisers.

The annual Move-A-Thon is not just a fundraiser, but a community event that raises awareness and funds for individuals living with disabilities. The wrap-up event was a celebration of this spirit of unity and inclusivity, with participants completing a symbolic “last lap” around the baseball diamond at Centennial Park.

The determination of the New Leaf Link participants, who live with physical and developmental limitations, was on full display as they completed the final stretch of the Move-A-Thon. The atmosphere was filled with laughter and applause as attendees celebrated the impact of their collective efforts.

As we look back on the Move-A-Thon, New Leaf Link Program Manager Brandy Sheahan said “we need to express our deepest thanks to everyone who played a part in making it a success. Our appreciation goes out to the participants who spearheaded this initiative, the donors whose generosity helped us surpass our fundraising goal, and the thirteen businesses that sponsored our matching purple event t-shirts. Your unwavering support and commitment to our cause have truly made a significant impact on the lives of individuals with disabilities in our community. Thank you for making a difference”.

New Leaf Link is actively seeking new participants to join its program which runs Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday from 9:30am-2:30pm at the Harrowsmith Free Methodist Church gymnasium with a cost of $46 per day. Individuals living with physical and developmental disabilities who are 18+ and interested in inclusive and fun educational day programming offered in a rural setting and tailored to their interests and needs are encouraged to reach out via New Leaf Link's website to learn more about the opportunities available. Community members are invited to visit the New Leaf Link program anytime to see for themselves what New Leaf Link offers.

For more information, please visit New Leaf Link’s website at: www.newleaflink.ca

Well done to all the participants and coordinators. Thank you for letting us be a part of this special event, and we look forward to the next one.