Run for Rockyview
The 5th Annual Run for Rockyview breaks
records
The Glenmore Reservoir pathway behind the Rockyview
General Hospital is a regular route for cyclists, dog walkers and
hospital staff on their lunch breaks. On September 12th,
however, it was the site of the 5th Annual Run for
Rockyview- a 5K race which is both inspiring and extremely
entertaining. Departments form teams and fundraise money for their
unit at the hospital.
This year, the race track was filled with over 350 enthusiastic
participants wearing team colors and a variety of costumes. Jill
Belland from Breakfast Television emceed the event and introduced
the likes of Calgary-Glenmore MLA Linda Johnson and hospital CEO
Nancy Guebert. "Rockyview does rock, and that is because we have a
fantastic community around us," said Nancy.
As the years have progressed, the event has grown in popularity
and become increasingly successful. Last year, Run for Rockyview
raised over $30,000.00 for various units in the hospital. This
year, the fundraising efforts of the staff brought in over
$116,000.00.
The impressive results from the event may be partially due to
some friendly competition. As Jill Goplen from the Rehab Allied
Health department explained, the units look forward to seeing if
they can outdo each other. Their department boasted 25 participants
who were proud to support their workplace. "You don't have to twist
anyone's arm to participate," she said.
For many, the run represents much more than an opportunity to
have fun with colleagues. For Sara Szabo, from Rockyview's
administrative 3rd place team raising over $10,000, the
race wasn't just an opportunity to support her workplace. She has
recently lost 100 lbs and the Run for Rockyview was one of her
goals. Nadia Bouzourene, who is from Algeria and is now a Health
Care Aide on Unit 59, took a vacation day to run the 5k race.
"The Rockyview is the best place to learn," she emphasized.
"I am so grateful to Alberta Health Services."
The "Flashes and Floaters" team, named after common visual
symptoms their patients experience, was the team from the Eye
Clinic. They won the prize for the most money raised at an amazing
$27,400. Nancy Piller, a Certified Opthamology Tech from the Clinic
said that not only did friends, family and coworkers contribute to
their fundraising success, but some patients were also excited to
add to their incredible total. The team will celebrate their win at
a Flames game from a corporate box donated by Halliburton.
The event not only raised an impressive amount of funds for the
hospital, but was also a clear demonstration of supportive
community at Rockyview General Hospital. The individual stories of
the amazing staff that made the event so successful were truly
inspirational to everyone present.
Thank you to our sponsors:
