alling all joggers, walkers, men, women, children and babies in strollers, on May 25. Boomerang Kids, the children's clothing store, invites you to help make a young child's dream come true, for on this day they will be hosting the Annual National Capital Strollerthon. Boomerang Kids, in association with The Children's Wish Foundation (an organization that helps children with life-threatening illnesses), hopes to raise enough money to send a little girl named Izza on a Disney Cruise.
Little Izza, who is only three years old, has already faced many health problems. These include kidney and liver transplants as well as open heart surgery. The Strollerthon is a beacon of hope for her to have one of her wishes granted.
Always a fun event for the entire family, Boomerang Kids co-owners, Lyne Burton and Joan Garvey, expect celebrations will be bigger and better than ever this year.
This is a very special year as it is the fifth Annual Strollerthon and to mark its success there are some big sponsors offering support. Included in this list are The New RO, Magic 100, The Ottawa Sun newspaper and local realtor Tracy Arnett. With her extremely generous donation of $5,000, Tracy has been named the first platinum sponsor for the Strollerthon.
Registration for the event will continue right up until the start of the run. The fee, which includes both an adult size T-shirt and a special commemorative baby T-shirt, is $15 before May 18 and $20 during the week prior to race day. Registration and pledge forms can be picked up at either the Bank Street store or the new store at 261 Richmond Road West. Raffle tickets are also on sale at both Boomerang locations, with all proceeds going to Izza and the Children's Wish Foundation. Last year, the Strollerthon raised close to $14,000 and with the generous pledges so far Lyne and Joan suspect this year's figures will top that.
Come early to join in the fun. Opening ceremonies kick off at 9:30 a.m., outside the Bank Street storefront. There will be lots of activities, including a group stretch, to send participants on their way. The course will follow a 5-kilometre route along the scenic canal pathways, between the Bank Street and Pretoria Street bridges. Complimentary bagels, fruit and water will follow the event.
There will be lots of great prizes. Watch out for such categories as "Best dressed stroller," "first to cross the finish line," and "largest number of participants in a team" (yes, teams are welcome). Prizes include gift certificates, and gifts donated by Mountain Equipment Coop and Bravado.
Come on out and see what has made this annual event so successful. Not only is it great fun for the family, it's also helping a dream come true. Pick up a pledge form and buy a raffle ticket. For more information, drop in at Boomerang Kids, or call either store at 730-0711 or 722-6671. See you on the 25th.