There are moments when community spirit doesn’t just shine, it soars. This spring, we witnessed one of those moments with the 13th Annual Nature’s Emporium Run for Southlake. With over 1,650 registered participants, 123 teams, and more than $460,000 raised, we didn’t just break records, we set a new standard for what community-led fundraising can achieve.

As a proud member of the Southlake Community Cabinet, I’m honoured to work alongside passionate local leaders who help make these milestones possible. Together, we support Southlake Regional Health Centre our community’s hospital and a vital provider of leading-edge, compassionate care to residents across York Region and South Simcoe.

What is the Southlake Community Cabinet?

The Community Cabinet is a volunteer group of dedicated ambassadors, strategy advisors, and networkers who support Southlake Foundation’s events and partnerships. Our role is to strengthen Southlake’s connection to the communities it serves, providing grassroots insight, hands-on help, and ongoing advocacy to grow support for our hospital.

Our cabinet includes a diverse mix of professionals, community builders, and health care champions, including:

Event leads for the Run for Southlake, Run for Newmarket, and Run for Bradford
Representatives from Neighbourhood Network, York Regional Police, local municipalities, business leaders, and philanthropic partners
And proud residents like myself who care deeply about sustaining Southlake’s future

We meet regularly to share ideas, offer feedback, and work with Southlake Foundation staff to support events like the Run for Southlake, the Southlake Golf Tournament, Southlake Polo for Heart, Southlake Gala, third-party fundraisers, and other engagement initiatives throughout the year.

Why Southlake Matters

Southlake is where innovation meets compassion. It’s where people from across our region come for cancer care, cardiac rehabilitation, pediatric services, and more. And yet, many don’t realize that government funding doesn’t cover new or replacement equipment making community investment essential.

Southlake serves a fast-growing population, and the need for care is only rising. That’s why our hospital is in the midst of transformational change:

Emergency Department Redevelopment: Currently under construction, this much-needed expansion will relieve pressure on one of the busiest emergency departments in the province, allowing faster access to care, improved patient flow, and a better experience for patients and families.
Regional Expansion Planning: Southlake is actively exploring land options for a second hospital site a bold and forward-thinking move that recognizes our population growth and the increasing demand for specialized and acute care services. This isn’t just about building more space it’s about building the future of care, right here in our own communities.
Campaigns like “Here is Where Cancer Meets Its Match” and “The Future is Now” are already raising millions for essential infrastructure, equipment, and care delivery innovation. But there is more work ahead and it’s work we all have a role in.

What’s Next: Join Us This Summer

We’re keeping the momentum going all summer long. If you missed the Run, here are more ways to get involved and support Southlake:

May 8–11: Joe Persechini Charity Midway
May 20: Omar’s Fashion Show (Men’s Health)
June 28: Newmarket Optimist Club Poker Ride (Paediatric Oncology)
July 10–13 & July 25–27: Polo for Heart & Polo for the Cure
October 5: Run for Newmarket

Learn more about upcoming events in support of Southlake here

Each of these events provides an opportunity to give back, get involved, and be a part of the movement transforming health care in our region.

Being part of the Southlake Community Cabinet has shown me what’s possible when community and care come together. From record-breaking fundraising to planning the next generation of health infrastructure, we are actively shaping the future of health care, together.

To everyone who participated, donated, or volunteered at this year’s Run: thank you. And to those looking for a way to give back your hospital needs you, and there’s never been a better time to get involved.

With gratitude,

Kelly Broome
Ward 6 Councillor, Town of Newmarket
Southlake Community Cabinet Member

Community Champions in Action: A Record Year and a Bright Future for Southlake