Run With Responders 5K raises $11,250 for three local charities

More than 400 runners and walkers, three cheques of $3,750: the fourth Run With Responders 5K raised $11,250 for CMHA Windsor-Essex, the Windsor Firefighters Benefit Fund and the Law Enforcement Torch Run for Special Olympics Ontario.

Topics: Community

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Organizers and first responder chiefs presented the cheques on Wednesday, Oct. 7 at the Windsor Fire & Rescue Services station on Goyeau Street, the City of Windsor said in a news release.

Where the money goes

Each charity received $3,750:

Canadian Mental Health Association, Windsor-Essex County Branch (CMHA-WECB). The funds support mental health education, training and awareness through CMHA's Sole Focus Project, with sessions for first responders, medical professionals, youth and caregivers.

Windsor Firefighters Benefit Fund, named by organizers as one of the 2026 charities of choice for first responders.

Law Enforcement Torch Run for Special Olympics Ontario, which engages police officers in championing acceptance and inclusion for people with intellectual disabilities.

Organizer Dave Orshinsky said 100 per cent of the proceeds go to the three charities.

Who was there

Windsor Police Chief Jason Crowley, Windsor Fire & Rescue Services Chief James Waffle and Essex-Windsor EMS Chief Justin Lammers joined organizers to present the cheques. More than 400 runners and walkers of all ages took part in the event, which celebrates frontline service providers.

"Mental health is key to our well-being, and we can't be truly healthy without it," said Kim Willis, CMHA-WECB's Director of Communications and Mental Health Promotion.

The presenting partners of the Run With Responders 5K, 1K and Kids Dash were the Windsor Port Authority and the Windsor Police Association. Windsor Police Association President Kent Rice said the run gives first responders and community members a chance to support mental health, acceptance and inclusion.