Nearly 40 people participated in the second annual Run for Brantford charity event on Saturday, July 5, 2025.
Organized by Mercy 4 Mankind and the Ahmadiyya Muslim Youth Association, the early morning event was held in an effort to raise much-needed funds for the Brant Community Healthcare System (BCHS) Foundation.
Haidee Scheers, Special Events Development Coordinator for the BCHS Foundation, said the money from the run will go towards urgently needed diagnostic imaging equipment.
“Our big priority right now is diagnostic imaging. It’s supposed to cost in excess of $6 million, and so the run today is in support of that, and specifically they’re looking to raise funds for a new gamma camera for the Brantford General Hospital,” she said. “We’re really thrilled to be back here again, working with the Mercy 4 Mankind group and Safi Hafiz-Zadeh; they have been a great ally and advocate of the healthcare system and the work that we do, and I think any third-party event like this, really showcases the support and the meaning that healthcare has in the community.”
Following the recitation and translation of the Holy Quran, and quick word from Salman Rehan, a Mercy 4 Mankind representative, Larry Brock, MP for Brantford-Brant, thanked everyone for getting involved in the event.
“By participating in this event, you are signaling our support for those who dedicated their lives to keep our Brantford Brant residents healthy. The funds raised will allow our healthcare system to keep expanding to better serve the community in the future,” said Brock. “A huge thank you to all the sponsors and organizers for this Run for Brantford, it’s always exciting to see organizations that are dedicated to helping local communities do great work.”
After a quick warmup, participants headed out for either the three-kilometre run, or the one-kilometre fun walk, before heading back to the finish line for a few refreshments.
Hafiz-Zadeh, event coordinator, said he was happy to be able to give back to his community.
“I’ve been in Brantford for over 50 years now, so I am quite happy to help put this on again because it allows me to give back to a community that’s been very good to me and my family,” he said. “Last year was our first run and so going into our second, we’re trying to really evolve and grow, and make sure it gets a bit bigger every year. I’m very pleasantly surprised and happy with all the support we’ve had from the community. It’s nice to see everyone’s getting behind such a great cause and we’re happy to be a part of it.”
This year’s run has currently raised $2,528.55, and donations can still be made by visiting:https://raceroster.com/events/2025/102472/run-for-brantford-2025
Kimberly De Jong’s reporting is funded by the Canadian government through its Local Journalism Initiative.The funding allows her to report rural and agricultural stories from Blandford-Blenheim and Brant County. Reach her at kimberly.dejong@brantbeacon.ca.
