RunFurShelter event aids Golden Diners program
Lace up your running shoes for the fourth annual RunFurShelter 5K Run/Walk Sunday, May 18, benefiting participants in The Salvation Army's Golden Diners program.
The event, held at Sherman Immediate Care Center in South Elgin, will help provide pet food and alleviate veterinary costs for the seniors enrolled in the program.
Recently, the Golden Diners program staff reported that a significant percentage of its clients with pets have difficulty affording animal food, therefore, sharing their own meals with their pets.
"Providing pet food to homebound seniors will enable them to keep their furry companions, which is key to combating loneliness and depression" said Major Ken Nicolai, director of The Salvation Army's Golden Diners program.
"We are so grateful that RunFurShelter answered the call to help support our area seniors."
Entry to the 5K is $35 and includes a T-shirt and timing chip. In addition to the traditional 5K race, this year's event will also include a one mile memory walk/run, in honor of beloved pets that have passed on, and a 100-meter sprint for children.
"We are thrilled to be partnering with The Salvation Army's Golden Diner's program. We are committed not only to helping our furry friends, but also those who take care of them every day," said RunFurShelter board member Tanya Esquivel. "We look forward to the community's support to further our efforts."
Each year, more than 5,000 seniors in Kane and McHenry counties are served by The Salvation Army Golden Diners program. Along with a friendly visit, Golden Diners delivers more than 800 hot, nutritious meals to homebound seniors every day. The program helps prevent malnutrition for seniors, as well as avoid institutional care for as long as is safely possible.
If you're not up for the run/walk, you can still help by donating supplies such as pet toys and crates the day of the race.
For more information or to register, visit www.runfurshelter.com or contact Tanya Esquivel at (224) 805-3722 or tanya.esquivel0711@sbcglobal.net