Hog Jog raises more than $30K for Emily Murphy Centre’s Tiny Homes, Big Impact campaign

On your mark, get set, go! Runners for the 10 kilometre route of the Hog Jog start their race.

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 reception 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.