Pit run raises $27,000 for CPCC

Written By JASEN OBERMEYER

With the beautiful and warm weather persistent this summer, The 7th annual Caledon pit run was a huge success, as it raised $27,000 for the Caledon-Parent Child Centre (CPCC).

Hosted jointly by Lafarge and Aecon, the annual event took place this past Saturday (Aug. 11) at the Lafarge-Aecon Caledon Pit on Willoughby Road.

Around 80 runners came out for the five-kilometer run/walk. Many more came out to enjoy face painting, a silent auction for various prizes, music, and several activities for kids, including a fun obstacle course, and to also see the heavy machinery used.

“We're just promoting health and healthy living,” said Brent Trott, plant manager for Lafarge Caledon, adding it is one of the company's core values.

The run/walk helps to educate the community on the topic of sand and gravel pit rehabilitation and allows them to experience being in an active pit.

“We're showing people what it looks like after we've taken aggregates out of it and how we rehab it,” said Mr. Trott. “It's just nice to see everybody out.”

In total, over $160,000 has been raised through this unique event. Previous runs have support various organizations, including Bethell Hospice Foundation, Caledon Community Services, and Headwaters Health Care Foundation.

“We wanted the community to see what we do and give back,” commented Jennifer Gilchrist with Lafarge Caledon.

Also on hand to take part in the event was CPCC Executive Director Teresa Colasanti, who said she and the rest of CPCC are very grateful for the support and money raised to those in attendance.

She later told the Citizen that the money raised would be allocated to help support the delivery of their free programs. “We have a broad scope of early learning and family support programs.”

Several of those programs include early literacy and learning for parents and children, pregnancy and parenting, and early child development.

The non-profit organization provides support, resources and education that strengthen families and promote the optimal development of children, and must also do much of their own fundraising. “There are funding gaps, that's the reality we live in,” Ms. Colasanti explained.

She added that the money raised would also be used to help grow their support in the rural areas.

“We know those rural communities are growing, so not just in our main location in Bolton, but also offering a greater variety and frequency of programming.”