A Father's Day tradition will return to Bright's Grove this weekend for the 38th annual Huron House Boys Home Run/Walk/Bike fundraiser.
Fund Development Coordinator Denise McMillan said registered participants have the option of a five kilometre or 10k timed run, a 5k walk, or a 7k bike ride.
The first race will start at 8 a.m. on Sunday, June 15, from Mike Weir Park.
"Anybody in Bright's Grove is welcome to come down to Mike Weir Park and cheer on all of our participants," she said.
A free pancake breakfast will be served to participants after the race. McMillan said non-participants can purchase breakfast for $5.
Residents are also invited to stay at the park, where a kids' zone with inflatables will be set up. McMillan said there will also be a couple of vendors, which is new this year.
"We're hoping to expand on that in future years if it goes well, so there is lots to do in the park," she said.
Executive Director Mike McGill said the fundraiser "kick starts" the summer for their youth.
"For us, summer's really important. We really focus on giving them tons of positive experiences, a lot that they may have missed through their childhood to this point," McGill said. "So lots of beach trips, lots of fishing, camping, sports events, going to other local communities' outings and events. It really helps these kids build confidence, social skills, and create some real positive core memories without staff."
This year's fundraising goal is $20,000. As of June 6, over 270 participants had registered for the event.
Race registration will close on Saturday, June 14.
Registration can be done in person at the Huron House Boys Home, online, or by calling McMillan at (519) 869-4000.
Participants can pickup their kits at Lambton Mall (in the H&M promo court) on June 13 from 6 p.m. until 8 p.m. and on June 14 from 12 p.m. until 4 p.m.
Huron House Boys Home is a residential mental health program in Bright's Grove.
"We provide a safe, structured, supportive home for youth aged 12 to 18. Most of them are going through difficult circumstances, family breakdowns, trauma, complex needs, involvement with local CAS (Children's Aid and Child Protection) agencies," said McGill.