JORDAN'S RUN THE RUNWAY 5K

Stoneycreek YMCA

920 Sunningdale Road East, London Ontario

Thursday September 11th from 3:00pm - 7:00pm

Diamond Aircraft Industries Inc.

1560 Crumlin Sideroad (between Oxford St and Dundas St

London ON

Friday September 12th from 5:00pm - 6:15pm

Bag Check Available at event

This is a flat and fast 5K that will be chip timed by Thames Timing.

Course will begin and end at the Diamond Aircraft Hangar

1560 Crumlin Sideroad, London ON

(between Dundas St and Oxford St)

Jordan Strickland is our inspiration for the Inaugural “Jordan’s Run the Runway” run and walk event at Diamond Aircraft and the London International Airport. Jordan loved all things in life that were filled with adventure, and he was not afraid to try anything. One of the things he loved most in life was going to the London YMCA Camp Queen Elizabeth on Beausoleil Island, where he attended for many years as a camper, and for the last nine years as a volunteer counsellor.

Although CQE terrain is not what would be considered easy to traverse, and was a challenge to Jordan’s mobility, he always managed to get anywhere he needed to with the support of the many amazing young men and women there. It is doubtful that he missed any opportunities! Rock climbing, canoeing, kayaking, body surfing on the rapids, hiking, swimming, out tripping…. he looked forward to and was a part of all of it. Because of the Y’s and CQE's inclusive philosophy, Jordan and others who may have physical or other challenges have always been welcomed to share the same awesome camp experience as any other kid, with whatever support it takes to make that happen. Many, many children and future camp leaders who couldn’t typically afford to go are supported by the Strong Kids Campaign to attend CQE, and we want this to continue as part of Jordan’s story for many years to come. Jordan would have turned 28 this year, and we are so grateful for the many friends he met over the years, and who he introduced to us. Thank you so much for Running the Runway to remember our amazing Jordan, and also for his CQE and Siskinds families and friends.

Janice, Paul, and Daniel Strickland

YMCA Strong Kids is an annual fundraising campaign focused on raising much needed resources to give kids the opportunities they need to live healthier, happier lives. In 2013, 33% of all YMCA of Western Ontario participants required financial support to take part in swimming lessons, camps, programs and services. Supporting this campaign directly supports children, teens and young adults in your community.

Our focus on inclusiveness and accessibility means we serve people of all ages, backgrounds and abilities through all stages in life. Through the YMCA Strong Kids program, YMCA Camp Queen Elizabeth (CQE) is able to provide financial assistance to families who are unable, but not unwilling, to pay the full camp fee. Last summer, 176 children and youth were provided with the opportunity to experience CQE. Young, carefree times spent in the great outdoors can form some of life’s most precious and enduring memories. Thanks to your support, even more children will have memories, skills and confidence that will last a lifetime.

Since 1953, the YMCA of Western Ontario has helped contribute to healthy childhoods for kids who have been fortunate enough to spend time at CQE. Generous donors like you make sure of that. Because of your support, the YMCA can fulfill their commitment to helping our next generation to grow and thrive, as healthy individuals and passionate future leaders.

Jordan Strickland attended Camp CQE as a kid and went on to become a dedicated volunteer and friend to the CQE community. He had a tremendous impact on all the campers and staff he worked with. Jordan made many deep connections with the people he met and contributed so much of love and passion to the camp community.

Siskinds is extremely proud to sponsor the First Annual Jordan’s Run the Runway. Jordan touched all of us in his 27 years, was a good friend to many and a beloved part of the Siskinds Family. It is our privilege to help bring this event in honour of him to life. Jordan showed us that nearly all challenges can be overcome through friendship and community support and at Siskinds, we are keenly aware that we achieve nothing on our own. We are proud members of the Southwestern Ontario community. We thrive on our relationships with our clients and the businesses we work with. We are made stronger by each connection we build.

One of our community’s greatest assets is the YMCA, and in particular Camp Queen Elizabeth. The YMCA demonstrates incredible commitment to building healthy communities through its always evolving programming and the Strong Kids Campaign. Jordan was a regular at the YMCA and as he grew older, a volunteer and employee at Camp Queen Elizabeth. We can’t think of a more fitting organization to benefit from this event. Jordan was a determined athlete who overcame obstacles to complete many races in his life. Thank you for joining us for this very special event. We hope you enjoy the course and as you participate today, please take a moment to think of Jordan, how he contributed to our lives, our community and how we can build on that together.

Friends of Run the Runway

Abruzzi Ristorante

Bravura Hair Salon

Canadian Tire - Jeff Doty

Columbia Sportswear

controlPLAY - Mat Lunnen

Daniel Strickland

Erin Circelli Russell

Firerock Golf Club

Josie Pontarelli

Lululemon Masonville

Marshall's Pasta Mill

Meredith Fontaine

Ontario Physiotherapy Association

Tom and Angie Kehoe

Dr. Margaret Tukara

If you would like to collect pledges offline, click here.