An important fundraiser for the Huron House Boys' Home will return to the Bright's Grove area this Father's Day for its 35th annual event.
The Boys' Home Run (walk, run, skate, or bike event) started in 1987 but hasn't been held in the last couple of years due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Fundraising and Events Coordinator Heidi Vallinga said it's one of their biggest annual fundraisers so there has been a void in not hosting it.
"We do receive some funding from a few government departments but that doesn't cover everything we need," she said. "We need to fundraise to make up those differences -- to cover all the basics for the boys. It pays for our groceries, buys new clothes for the boys, helps fund all of the programming that we offer, and really just keeps us going."
Vellinga said the community support in order to start up the event has been great.
"It's been a little bit harder to get things going. We've had vendors that aren't able to help but we've had so many new people step in and new volunteers. It's just been a really fantastic process to get this whole event going again."
The race features five and seven-kilometer options, as well as 20k, and 40k. The event will be held at Mike Weir Park and Vellinga said most of the route is along the waterfront to provide a scenic experience for participants.
Vellinga said they're expecting to have over 400 participants signed up by race day. There is an option to participate in the event virtually as well.
Competitors will also get a free pancake and sausage breakfast and spectators can also get a meal for $5.
Vallinga said those who have not yet signed up can still register either at the event (preferably by 7 a.m.) or during kit pick-ups at Lambton Mall between 6 p.m. and 8 p.m. Friday or between 12 p.m. and 4 p.m. on Saturday.
Huron House Boys' Home is a non-profit charitable organization that provides services and programs to adolescent boys.