Stratford 5K Run/Walk brings in more than $56,000 for the Local Community Food Centre

Members of the Wills and Prior team gather for a photo after taking part in the 2025 Stratford 5K Run/Walk.

More than 500 participants and 100 kids took part in the 2025 Stratford 5K Run/Walk in support of the Local Community Food Centre this year, surpassing the committee’s goal and raising an impressive $56,700.

Margaret Smart, executive director of the Local, spoke on behalf of the organization, expressing her gratitude to all involved. She said that last year, the Local served 17,588 meals to the community and harvested more than 5,000 pounds of fresh, local produce from its urban farm. She also noted that the space was used for 72 kitchen skills classes designed to help people learn about and understand healthy eating.

“All of this to bring people around our shared need for access to good food to nourish our bodies and to nourish our lives,” said Smart. “All of this is only possible through the support of our community.”

Mayor Martin Ritsma was also on hand to greet runners. He thanked the Local, volunteers and participants on behalf of the city, noting his excitement for the event and appreciation for everything the Local offers.

“The Local not only feeds the stomach, it feeds the soul as well,” he said. “I've been there a number of times to witness the great work of the organization, the staff and all of the volunteers.”

Perth-Wellington MPP Matthew Rae attended the event and emphasized the educational aspect of the Local’s programming, noting that the organization provides healthy, nourishing meals while also teaching people how to prepare them.

Perth-Wellington MP John Nater also took to the mic to extend his gratitude to everyone attending. His daughter, Caroline Nater, wished all racers good luck before blowing the official race horn to start the runners.

Clara Wheaton gave the land acknowledgement to begin the event, and Nikki Wagler, co-owner of Coles and Keys on York Street, sang O Canada before the race started. Emceeing the event for the fourth year was Jamie Cottle from 107.1 CJCS. Hosting the warm-up was Renee Dijk, registered kinesiologist and owner of Ritual Studio, along with her team. The warm-up before the kids’ race was led by Tom Doan, founder of the Polar Pals Run Club from London.

The presenting sponsor again this year was Erb Transport.

Gold-level sponsors included RBC Wealth Management and VFG Wealth.

Silver-level sponsors were Home and Company, Nesbitt Financial, Camp Out RV, Coles and Keys, Artas Design and Engineering, Buchanan and Hall, Altra Shoes, Runners’ Choice Waterloo and Ten Toe’n.

Bronze-level sponsors were Black Swan, Klomp’s Landscaping, Stratford Home Hardware and Building Centre, Orr Insurance, KDB Law, GoTech, Alexandra J. Bignucolo Law, Malt, OnRush Festival, Ritual Studio, Image Shark Media, Craig and Jess’ No Frills and Rhéo Thompson Candies.