Steps Toward Change: Annual Charity Walk/Run
Join us for “Steps of Hope,” a heartwarming charity walk dedicated to raising funds and awareness for children’s education, food for the homeless, wildlife conservation.
Whether you’re walking for a loved one, a community in need, or for the future of our planet, every step you take brings hope, healing, and change.
Event Details:
Date:Sunday, October 4, 2028
Time:8:30 AM – 1:00 PM (Opening remarks at 9:00 AM)
Location:Grand River Community Park (Starting at the North Pavilion)
Distance Options:1K Family Fun Stroll, 5K Walk/Run, or 10K Challenge
Beneficiary:
100% of funds raised directly support the Grand River Hospital (GRH) Community Mental Health and Addiction Services.
Every Step Counts, Every Mind Matters
Grand River Hospital is proud to announce our annual Steps Toward Change Walk/Run. This community-driven event is dedicated to breaking the stigma surrounding mental health, promoting holistic wellness, and raising essential funds for local, life-saving mental health programs.
Mental health challenges touch almost every family in our community. Whether you are walking in honor of a loved one, running for your own wellness, or stepping up alongside your GRH colleagues, your participation directly fuels critical resources.
Funds raised from this year’s event will help expand our outpatient counseling services, reduce wait times for crisis intervention, and update our dedicated youth mental health facilities.
Funds raised from this year’s event will help expand our outpatient counseling services, reduce wait times for crisis intervention, and update our dedicated youth mental health facilities.
Lace up your sneakers, grab your friends and family, and join us to prove that no one in our community has to walk their journey alone.
Event Details:
- 8:30 AM | Registration & Check-In Open
- Pick up your participant t-shirt, walker/runner bib, and enjoy complimentary morning coffee and fruit at the GRH Welcome Hub.
- 9:00 AM | Welcome & Warm-Up
- Inspirational opening words from GRH mental health advocates, followed by a fun, guided group stretch led by local fitness instructors.
- 9:30 AM | Ready, Set, Go!
- Staggered official starts for the 10K, 5K, and 1K routes. Enjoy live motivation stations and water stops along the scenic park pathways.
- 11:30 AM | Celebration & Post-Walk Festival
- Cross the finish line into a lively celebration! Enjoy a free community barbecue (with vegetarian options), live music, kids' face painting, and mental health wellness booths.
- 12:15 PM | Closing Ceremony & Fundraising Awards
- Announcement of our grand fundraising total, presentation of medals to top fundraisers, and closing remarks.
How to Get Involved
1. Register to Walk or Run:
Sign up as an individual, grab your family, or build a team with your coworkers!
Adult Registration: $35 (Includes an official event t-shirt and post-run meal)
Youth (Under 12): Free
2. Fundraise for Impact:
Once registered, you’ll get a personalized fundraising page. Share it with friends, family, and colleagues to raise pledges. Every dollar you raise helps expand mental health care access right here at home.
3. Sponsor a Participant or Team:
Can’t make it to the park? You can still drive change. Search our database to make a tax-deductible donation toward a specific participant or team.
Let’s Walk for a Better Tomorrow
Bring your friends, family, coworkers — or just yourself — and be part of a movement that’s more than just steps. It’s hope in motion.
