Organizers are excited to see interest pick back up for the 15th annual Race to Erase fundraiser.
The team-based challenge will see groups of four compete in challenges across Sarnia on Saturday. In order to participate, teams had to raise a minimum of $500 in support of a local charitable organization or initiative.
Committee member Kaley Holder said over 160 participants had pre-registered for the event, amounting to about 41 teams.
Holder didn't give hints as to what the challenges or stops will be in order to keep it a surprise for participants. However, she said many businesses stepped up this year to act as a challenge host.
"It was really amazing to see businesses just come forward and ask to host this year," Holder said. "This is a big year for us. We're really excited to see that there's still a lot of interest in the community, both from participants, charitable organizations, and businesses who want to host stops."
Charities and organizations to benefit this year include The Inn of the Good Shepherd, The Women's Interval Home, SWONT Conductive Education, River City Vineyard, Pathways Health Centre for Children, Literacy Lambton, St. Clair Child and Youth Services, Rebound, and London Road School -- which is a new recipient this year.
"They are raising funds for their Kindergarten playground area. They want to add things, like a sensory garden and different resources for different kids to meet their needs," said Holder. "So their participation has been incredible and they actually have 10 teams running for them."
Race to Erase returned last year following a two-year pause brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic. Last year, 28 teams competed in the event and raised over $27,000 for nine charities.
The race committee works with an organization, #charitable, to benefit non-profit organizations. In total, Race to Erase has raised over $750,000 in cities such as Sarnia, London, and Cambridge, read a #charitable media release.