If you’re looking to help make a difference for youth in Northumberland, you have a chance to do just that this weekend at Rebound’s signature “Kilometres 4 Kids” fundraising event.
The event is set for this Saturday, Oct. 18, and Rebound Child and Youth Services Northumberland interim executive director Pinder DaSilva is hoping the community will answer the call and get involved.
DaSilva tells us more about the event.
The day kicks off with check-ins out front of Victoria Hall in Cobourg, and opening ceremonies at about 9:15 a.m.
The one-kilometre fun run will start at about 9:30 a.m., and then from 9:45 to 10 a.m., there will be the five-kilometre walk, run, or ride option. All the treks start at Victoria Hall, with festivities wrapping in Victoria Park.
Starting around 11 a.m., there will be a picnic, prizes, and the closing ceremony in the park.
Rebound and partners like the Cobourg Police Service are calling on residents and families to put together teams and come together in support of local youth Saturday.
For more than 28 years, Rebound has been dedicated to helping kids in the community, and addressing service gaps under areas such as mental health, academic supports, justice diversion, youth homelessness prevention, and more. Last year alone, the organization reported helping more than 1,800 youth across the county.
DaSilva says the organization also pivots to address changing needs – and to get ahead of need.
By taking that preventative approach, it’s about helping to build resiliency skills and it’s looking at long-term wellness, and that continues to be a focus moving forward, explains DaSilva.
Ultimately, Rebound is dedicated to empowering kids and giving them a second chance to reach their full potential – and all its services are provided free of charge. In other words, fundraisers such as this and community support are critical to help fund these core services, say staff.
Long-time supporters at the Cobourg Police Service are also gearing up to show their support this weekend, says Deputy Chief Jeff Haskins.
Haskins says attendees can also expect some friendly competition with the Cobourg Fire Department – and kids will be able to get in police cruisers and fire trucks as part of the festivities.
“We’re hoping to make this an incredible event for everyone to be involved in,” adds Haskins.
Several other activities are also planned as part of the event – from a draw for a donated barbecue, to pumpkin painting, and more. With Halloween just around the corner, attendees are also encouraged to bust out their costumes – and there will be a prize for the best costume, along with prizes for individual, youth and team fundraisers, and more.
The Cobourg Lions Club will also be dishing up eats at the finish line.
Additional information, including registration details, is accessible online for those looking to show their support on Saturday.
(Written by: Sarah Hyatt, with files from Joseph Goden)