Powassan family gives back through fitness and fundraising
In a heartwarming show of community spirit, the Dupuis family of Powassan has donated $11,000 to support local children’s recreational programs and mental health services.
With over 300 participants this year, the Maple Hill Sap Run is becoming one of Powassan’s biggest events—and it’s all thanks to one dedicated local family.
For the past eight years, Jared and Jenn Dupuis have organized the Maple Hill Sap Run in Powassan- a walk/run that is scheduled for the day after the annual Maple Syrup Festival in late April.
Over the years, the 5 km run has changed and improved, adding a 10 km component and a kids’ run too. There are team challenges now, and over 300 people participated this year. The run is now chip-timed, so each participant knows their exact finish time.
Local chefs provide food for after the run, and dozens of local volunteers help throughout the day and throughout the year to make the run go smoothly. As in most larger events, the behind-the-scenes work is just as significant as the event itself.
Jared was really pleased with the “best turnout ever this year” and hopes “to build that momentum into a success next year.”
Jared, and his wife Jenn, have a young busy family that is always involved in recreational activities in the area. Jared is the owner/operator of Maple Hill Health and Fitness and is a personal trainer with a private gym. Starting the Maple Hill Sap Run was just an extension of the family lifestyle and business.
Jared, Jenn, and their children Leo, Max, and Lincoln were pleased to donate $7,000 to the Municipality of Powassan. Those funds will be used to further recreational activities for local kids.
Some of that money has been used to run the successful municipal soccer program again this year. The Dupuis family also donated a further $4,000 to the North Bay Regional Health Centre for kids’ mental health.
As Jared says, “Raising these funds for the community is very important but even more so is the goal to foster healthy active living.”
His family is active, and he wants “to encourage youth to be running and walking and actively engaged in sports and activities in the community.”
The annual Maple Hill Sap Run is becoming a huge event for the town of Powassan, and their support for kids’ recreational programming is significant.
By Kathie Hogan, BayToday.ca
