Hog Jog fundraiser for Emily Murphy Centre nourishing community

Walking or running the route for this year’s Hog Jog fundraiser will help the Emily Murphy Centre further expand its capacity.

The Ontario Pork Industry Council (OPIC), in partnership with the Emily Murphy Centre, will host its 19th annual Hog Jog on June 17 at the Stratford Rotary Complex. Participants can either walk or run the 3.5 KM route or run the 10 KM route, and children can do the Weaner Route. There will be a pork dinner after the race and an awards ceremony.

The 2026 Ontario Pork Congress is also happening on June 17 and 18 at the Stratford Rotary Complex.

"There's lots for the whole family to come out and do and this is a great opportunity to do something good for your body, but also do something good for the community because we are really, really, in need of the funds to get these homes installed,” said Lisa Wilde, executive director of the Emily Murphy Centre.

Proceeds from the Hog Jog fundraiser will support the Emily Murphy Centre’s capital campaign. The centre is expanding capacity by adding five tiny homes to its backyard.

"Those homes have been gifted to us, but we do need to raise the money to put the infrastructure in, so things like plumbing, electricity and security and all of those things that come along with a new installation of any building,” Wilde said.

The Emily Murphy Centre has always had a waitlist, ever since its inception 37 years ago.

“For many women who have experienced violence with or without children, they choose the Emily Murphy Centre to try to re-establish themselves violence free in the community so that waitlist is a constant,” Wilde said.

The organization expanded its shelter space two years ago, and the waitlist continues to grow.

"We have a beautiful big backyard that's a great space and why not utilize it for the women that need it the most?" said Wilde.

To learn more about the Hog Jog and to register online, visit https://raceroster.com/events/2026/114848/hog-jog-2026.