War Memorial Nurses’ 5K to raise money for new ER
SAULT STE. MARIE (MI) – War Memorial Nurses Association and the Michigan Nurses Association invite the community to participate in their second annual charity race: “Expanding for the Long Run” – a 5K Run/Walk on Saturday, May 4. The nurses are donating proceeds from the family-friendly event to a new WMH Emergency Department to increase the safety and efficiency of patient care.
“War Memorial nurses are putting on this fund-raiser because a new WMH Emergency Room will provide the expanded space and state-of-the art equipment we need to give our patients the very best care possible,” said Charlotte Folkersma, a nurse at WMH and organizer of the race. “As a registered nurse I see the long wait times and crowded space patients have to endure from their transitions within the emergency room to admission. A new WMH emergency room is long overdue, and we hope to see lots of people at the race on May 4 helping us make it happen.”
As the frontline health care providers for the area, the War Memorial nurses believe in being patient advocates both inside and outside the hospital. Their charity race last year raised money for Hospice House, and they also held a free wellness clinic for the community.
This year the nurses are supporting the Emergency Room expansion, which will increase patient care and safety. The project will add 5,000 square feet, creating 18 private treatment rooms including two trauma rooms and adding an expanded family waiting area. Currently the emergency department is so crowded that its nine rooms generally have two patients at a time, plus there are six beds used in hallways.
The hospital has initiated a $1 million fund drive for the expansion and renovation of the Emergency Department. It has gifts and commitments of more than $200,000 to date.
The race starts at 9 a.m. on Saturday, May 4. Registration is from 7:30 to 8:30 a.m. followed by a course review.
Folkersma said everyone from serious runners to families with children will enjoy the event. The route is a moderate level 5k one-loop course that starts and finishes on the corner of Nolte and Pine Streets.
The course will take runners and walkers behind the hospital with a gradual uphill through the friendly Lake Superior State University campus. The racers will catch a view of the International Bridge as they travel down to the Soo locks and return back to the hospital. The finish line will have separate chutes for runners and walkers.
Refreshments will be provided with an awards ceremony after the race. The overall fastest man, fastest woman and top walker will receive plaques. Medals will be awarded for top male and top female runners in these age groups: 12-under, 13-19, 20-29, 30-39, 40-49, 50-59, 60-plus.
Entry fees are $20 for adults and $5 for children 12 and under if pre-registered by April 27. From April 28 to race day, the entry fee is $25 for adults and $10 for children 12 and under.
The first 100 participants to pre-register will receive a race t-shirt at registration.
Pre-registration is available online at Active.com under event title “Expanding for the Long Run” or through searching local race events near Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan.
Sponsorships and donations for the race will be accepted up to race date.
For questions on the race or registration, contact Charlotte Folkersma at cgfolkersma@lssu.edu or 906-748-1281.