On Saturday, July 7, 2018, Global Fuels had the privilege to participate in an event that is particularly close to our hearts. The Rebecca Run for SMA is an annual event organized by Cure SMA Canada, a national charity dedicated to funding research and services for families affected by Spinal Muscular Atrophy.

We look forward to the Rebecca Run every year, and this was definitely one to remember. Here’s a rundown of what made this event so special.

The Rebecca Run and Cure SMA Canada

Cure SMA Canada is a national, volunteer-run charity on a mission to support families and individuals affected by spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) and fund Canadian research on treating or curing SMA.

SMA is a neuromuscular disorder that affects the part of the nervous system that controls voluntary muscle movement like crawling, walking, swallowing, and head and neck movement. Most affected are diagnosed at a very young age. Sadly, only 50% of babies who have SMA will live to their second birthday.

Despite the challenges, Cure SMA Canada remains hopeful and steadfast in their work to make the world better for SMA families in every province and territory.

So far, this work has been a massive source of hope. Cure SMA Canada has raised over $2.8 million to date through events like the Rebecca Run and the Angel Gala for SMA.

The Rebecca Run has been an annual fundraising event for 17 years. It includes a timed 5K.

Global Fuels at the 2018 Rebecca Run

Members of our team had a blast tearing up the Tom Taylor path in Newmarket, ON. Runners, walkers, volunteers, donors and sponsors came in droves, with over 500 participants overall. The weather cooperated with perfect running conditions from start to finish.

When the day was done, Global Fuels President Dave Armstrong joined organizers on stage to present a cheque for $40,000 courtesy of donations by ESSO, our dealers, and the rest of our team. This alone was exciting, but it turned out Dave had a couple of surprises for everyone.

First, he revealed we had received a last-minute donation from one of our dealers, pushing the total to $42,000.

But that’s not all.

Dave then announced that he would also be rounding the donation up to $50,000. With that, the funds raised by the Rebecca Run totalled an incredible $115,000!

Combined with the beautiful weather and inspiring turnout, Global Fuels’ surprise contribution made this year’s run especially memorable for our team.

We’re thankful to our generous dealers and partners for making this donation possible. When you commit to helping people succeed, they give back in incredible ways. It makes the work we do each day feel all the more meaningful.

See you again next year!