5km For Charley Mae

Charley Mae Stewart never ran a 5K on her own feet. But she raced in her dad's running wheelchair — wind in her hair, laughter on the course, side by side with family. When Charley passed away at age eight in 2025, those race day moments became the heart of this event. Sunday, June 14, 2026, the inaugural 5km For Charley Mae will start at Joe Sams Leisure Park in Waterdown, Ontario. All net proceeds go directly to McMaster Children's Hospital (MacKids).

Honouring Charley Mae Stewart (2016–2025):

• Born and raised in Waterdown. Attended Waterdown Children's Centre, Camp Waterdown, and Allan A. Greenleaf School.
• Loved music, swimming, school, and adventures with family.
• Lived with Aicardi Syndrome — faced every challenge with courage and joy.
• Favourite pastime: being pushed by her dad in her running wheelchair, completing several races together.
• This event turns those race day memories into support for other children and families.

Schedule (Sunday, June 14, 2026):

• 10:00 AM — Registration opens
• 10:55 AM — Welcome & announcements
• 11:05 AM — Warm‑up hosted by ALTA Spine and Sports Therapy
• 11:15 AM — 5km Run/Walk begins
• 11:45 AM — Food trucks, vendors, and info tents open

Fundraising & Impact:

• Goal: CA$25,000 for McMaster Children's Hospital.
• Currently raised: CA$16,390 (65% of goal).
• Top team: The Clan — CA$1,591 raised. Top fundraiser: Lindsay Lorimer‑Stewart — CA$950.

Sponsors (partial list):

• Advantage VM, Smart Realty Team, Shy's Place, ALTA Spine & Sports Therapy, F45 Waterdown, Waterdown District Children's Centre, Dyments, Smile Therapy for Kids Burlington, The Nook Studio, The Rotary Club of Waterdown.

Registration (price increases June 2):

• Adults: early bird $50 → standard $55 → June price $60
• Kids (5‑12): early bird $35 → standard $40 → June price $45
• Children under 5: free (no registration required)

"One of Charley's favourite pastimes was being pushed by her dad in her running wheelchair. Race days were pure joy — the wind in her hair, laughter along the course, and the thrill of sharing the moment together."