Monday, October 7, 2024
Central Taxi sponsorship featured prominently on Niagara's Canada Games Park sign throughout the day. All photo: Bobby D.
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Hope in Motion exceeds fundraising goal

Central Taxi sponsors second Hotel Dieu Shaver Foundation event

Hotel Dieu Shaver Foundation thanks all sponsors, participants, volunteers and supporters for their incredible support. “We’re looking forward to setting Hope in Motion again next September!” organizers note.     

The 2024 “Hope in Motion” event exceeded its fundraising target by 25 per cent, final reports show. Niagara’s Central Taxi is a major sponsor of the event, which raises funds for patient care equipment.

Originally set at $30,000, final accounts indicated that Hope in Motion 2024 surpassed its fundraising goal by raising over $40,000 after expenses.

Hope in Motion gives the team at Central Taxi an opportunity to celebrate the clients we support all year with the transportation services they need. Leo Conrad (right) is head of the Detail Department at Central Taxi and Coventry Connections.

The 2nd annual Hope in Motion event was hosted by Hotel Dieu Shaver Foundation on September 14th at Canada Games Park. The event focuses on mobility inclusion, allowing participants to set their own challenge. Participants walked or wheeled their way around the track showing incredible determination to meet, and in many cases, exceed their personal goals. Hope in Motion brought healthcare staff, patients, program graduates and loved ones together, along with the caring Niagara community.

Following the inaugural event last September, HDS Foundation saw significant growth, including 100 more participants than last year, and an amazing surge in sponsorship. 

“Events like Hope in Motion come to life because of the amazing individuals who exemplify perseverance, resilience, and strength meeting their mobility goals,” said Bob Dick, Brand Ambassador for Coventry Connections and Central Taxi. “Events like this give our team at Central Taxi an opportunity to support and celebrate the clients we support all year with the transportation services they need.”

“Congratulations to everyone who achieves their ‘personal best’ today,” said Central Taxi’s Bob Dick, here with Julie Vanderzalm, Events and Giving Co-ordinator for Hotel Dieu Shaver. Julie was also celebrating her birthday.

In his remarks, Dick told attendees, “We are very proud of each and every one of the participants today, who are giving their all to achieve their own ‘personal best’ to demonstrate for themselves and their supporters what can be possible when we all work together.

“And, we are equally proud of supporters who have dedicated themselves to assisting their loved ones: to organizing, to fundraising, to donating, coaching and cheering. At last count, Hope in Motion 2024 has 19 teams, with 116 participants and 350 donations.”

“Hope in Motion is a homecoming to reunite with my HDS Family and fellow survivors. It’s a reminder that we are not alone. It brings a few tears, a few smiles, a chance to achieve one more goal and the opportunity to cheer on the one’s that are not as far along in their journey toward recovery and rejoining the world. It’s great to give back and give credit to those who gave me my life back and recognize how far I have come thanks to HDS,” said Byron, past patient at HDS & Hope in Motion participant.

Some of Hope in Motion’s volunteer team.

“For me, this event is much more than a mobility inclusive walk; it’s a way to give back to Hotel Dieu Shaver, the place that played a vital role in my recovery and continues to impact my life today. Their care was pivotal in my recovery after my stroke. Without the dedicated team at HDS, I wouldn’t be where I am today. The funds we raise will go directly toward upgrading their medical and rehabilitation equipment, helping others on their recovery journey,” said Allan, past patient at HDS & Hope in Motion participant.

Hotel Dieu Shaver Foundation thanks all sponsors, participants, volunteers and supporters for their incredible support. We’re looking forward to setting Hope in Motion again next September!      

Plans for Hope in Motion 2025 are already underway.