Community support soars at Superhero Run

September 29, 2024

Community support soars at Superhero Run

Niagara Children’s Centre’s 10th annual charity event raises $151,500

St. Catharines, ON – Hundreds of local residents, dressed in capes, tights, and masks, gathered at Brock University on Sunday, Sept. 29 to show their support for Niagara Children’s Centre at the 10th annual Superhero Run.

The event, which has become a beloved tradition for families and community members alike, drew nearly 500 attendees, including more than 400 participants, alongside volunteers, vendors, and sponsors.

“It’s a much-anticipated event for the families we serve and the entire community,” said Oksana Fisher, CEO of Niagara Children’s Centre. “We’re thrilled to have had the opportunity to connect face-to-face with families, donors, and sponsors, while offering an inclusive, accessible, and fun-filled day for everyone.”

The accessible and barrier-free event brought together families involved with the Centre and community supporters for a day of fun and fundraising, all dedicated to helping children in the Niagara region access critical therapies and services.

Among the families participating were Nick and Jen Salvatore, whose three-year-old son, Milo, has been receiving support from the Centre since he was just a year old. Described as a happy, social, and curious child, Milo has become well-known at the Centre, often greeting people in the hallways or handing out event pamphlets in the lobby.

“He absolutely loves going and can’t wait to see everyone at the Centre,” said Salvatore. “At first, he was often scared or unsure during the transitional period, but his team worked so well at following his lead and ensuring it would be a positive experience for him.”

Milo’s progress is a testament to the Centre’s dedicated staff. Through physiotherapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy, and more, Milo has achieved significant developmental gains.

“Not only has Milo developed a great relationship with all of his therapists, but we’ve seen enormous gains in terms of Milo’s progress and therapeutic goals,” said Salvatore. “We wouldn’t be where we are if it weren’t for the help and support of his team.”

This year, the Salvatore family decided to participate in the Superhero Run as a way to give back. Nick, Jen, and Milo all proudly donned superhero capes to celebrate Milo’s journey and the Centre’s impact on their lives.

 

“This will be our first time participating in the event,” said Jen. “We also wanted to celebrate Milo and how far he has come in his therapeutic journey and this felt like a great opportunity.”

Another family in attendance was Page Olsen and Scott Ebert, whose daughter Phebe Ebert has been receiving support from the Centre for the past year. Phebe, now nearly two years old, was diagnosed with 3p deletion syndrome, a rare genetic disorder that can lead to intellectual disability, developmental delay, and abnormal physical features.

“I thought she's probably never going to walk, or if she's going to walk, it's going to take a long time,” said Olsen. “We've seen a lot of progress in her walking and talking. She wouldn't be where she is in her development without the Centre.”

For Olsen, the Centre has provided not just vital therapies, but also significant financial relief.

“Therapies for Phebe would cost us around $400 a week if we had to pay out-of-pocket,” she explained. “Without the Centre, I’d be working extra days just to afford her therapies. Not having to work as much means I can be home with Phebe while she’s young.”

Most of the Children’s Centre’s programs and services are funded by provincial and regional governments, however, they have long wait lists for many of their programs. Additional funds raised through events like the Superhero Run help expand these services, allowing the Centre to support even more families across the Niagara region.

“We feel so fortunate to have access to the Centre’s services,” Olsen added. “That’s why it’s so important for us to raise money — to ensure other families can get the help they need too.”

While the Superhero Run featured both two-and-a-half and five-kilometre routes, the most popular option for families was the 1K route, complete with 12 superhero-themed, fully accessible stations. Participants enjoyed activities ranging from archery and axe throwing to bocce and obstacle courses, with each station offering a fun, inclusive experience for children and families.

Participants who completed all stations were awarded a collectible medal, giving children and youth a well-earned sense of pride and accomplishment.

This year’s event raised $151,500 for the Children’s Centre, a true testament to the community spirit in Niagara according to Oksana Fisher, Niagara Children’s Centre, CEO.

 

“We are continually inspired by the incredible support from our community,” said Fisher. “Government funding alone doesn’t meet the demand for our services, so events like the Superhero Run are vital to helping us provide the therapies and support children in Niagara rely on.”

The Viola-Salter Group, a division of Scotia Wealth Management, returned as the event’s presenting sponsor for the tenth consecutive year. Partners Joe Viola and Grier Salter expressed their gratitude to the community for its ongoing generosity and commitment to the Centre’s mission.

“We feel privileged to have been a part of this amazing event since day one and are so excited to see it continue to grow,” they shared. “Congratulations on your continued dedication to helping children and youth be their best.”

Opening ceremonies were led by Jessica Potts, President of Inspired Strategy Group, alongside St. Catharines Mayor Mat Siscoe. During the ceremony, Mayor Siscoe presented a $25,000 cheque from the St. Catharines Outreach & Engagement (SCORE) Fund, an initiative dedicated to supporting local community organizations.

Following this year’s success, Niagara Children’s Centre has already announced that the Superhero Run will return to Brock University on Sunday, Oct. 5, 2025.

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About Niagara Children’s Centre:
Niagara Children’s Centre provided rehabilitation and support services to more than 6,500 children and youth last year across the Niagara Region with physical, developmental and communicative delays. The range of services include: physiotherapy, occupational therapy, speech and language services, augmentative and alternative communication, family services and therapeutic recreation.

For further information contact:
Michael Morrison, Marketing & Communications Officer
Phone: 905-688-1890 ext 260
Email: michael.morrison@niagarachildrenscentre.com

Cover photo - Archway:
Participants begin the 10th annual Superhero Run in support of Niagara Children's Centre underneath an inflatable archway.

Team Milo:
Family and friends came out to support Milo Salvatore to celebrate his journey and the Centre’s impact on their lives.

Total Raised:
On Sunday, Sept. 29, senior leadership from Niagara Children’s Centre, along with participants and sponsors, announced the total raised for the 2024 Superhero Run at Brock University.