Stratford Times

 

Despite the rainy weather, more than 300 runners

and walkers were ready to start the Hog Jog route.

The Ontario Pork Industry Council (OPIC) held

the Hog Jog at the Stratford Rotary Complex on June

17 in the evening. Participants could either complete

the 10 kilometre run, 3.5 kilometre walk/run or the

weaner race. Proceeds from the event support the

Emily Murphy Centre’s Tiny Homes … Big Impact

campaign.

"What a great event, oh my goodness. I can't believe how many people not only came through the

Pork Congress but then gathered for the Hog Jog and

they knew exactly what they were doing,” said Lisa

Wilde, executive director of the Emily Murphy Centre. “Nobody complained about the weather. Everybody was enthusiastic. It was just a fantastic event."

The Tiny Homes … Big Impact campaign is a proposed $1.2 million capital campaign looking to build

five tiny homes as a response to a growing need for

second-stage housing for women and children who

experienced violence. The Hog Jog fundraiser raised

over $33,000 for the tiny homes. Wilde said the Hog

Jog fundraiser “will put a significant dent” in the

fundraising goal and that the community support

has been quite positive.

"I'm overwhelmed, to be honest. This community is so generous and when they can get behind

something very concrete like the installation of five

homes, they're on it,” she said. “I've had such good eception from everybody that I've talked to about this goal." There was a meat auction further raising funds for the Emily Murphy Centre after the event. Hog Jog participants were treated to a pulled pork dinner provided by Chris’ Country Catering and Barbeque after completing their run/walk. Donations can be made online via CanadaHelps, through e-transfers to info@emilymurphycentre.com, or by mailed cheques to 67 Barron St., Stratford, ON, N4Z 1G9. More information about the Tiny Homes … Big Impact campaign can be found online via https://emilymurphycentre.com/campaign.

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