New Leaf Link’s Move-A-Thon Fundraiser Connects Communities Through Movement

May 08, 2024

Nestled within the picturesque village of Harrowsmith, New Leaf Link serves as a beacon of hope for its participants — adults living with developmental and physical disabilities. Founded in 2009 on principles of inclusivity and support for both the adult participants and their caregivers, New Leaf Link is dedicated to providing educational day programming three days a week.

At New Leaf Link, the mantra "Grow. Connect. Belong." isn't just a saying; it's the essence of the organization’s mission. By tailoring educational initiatives to the unique interests and abilities of participants, the organization nurtures personal growth, fosters connections, and cultivates a profound sense of belonging.

The annual Move-A-Thon fundraiser is crucial in sustaining New Leaf Link’s objectives throughout the year. Fundraising Coordinator and Board Member, MacKenzie Lee, emphasized the importance of community support, stating, "New Leaf Link does not receive any form of government or consistent funding because there just isn’t any available to a small rural organization like ours. Therefore, the organization relies heavily on community donations and fundraisers like this one."

For the entire month of May, New Leaf Link has embarked on a mission to raise awareness of the organization and funds through its Move-A-Thon fundraiser, with participants, staff, volunteers, and supporters uniting to make a difference. Through the celebration of movement, whether it's walking, rolling, running, or dancing, every kilometer covered and every dollar donated brings New Leaf Link closer to their 2024 fundraising goal and program sustainability of the organization.

May Move-A-Thon exemplifies the power of collective action and human resilience. Lee explains that “supporters utilize the virtual platform, Facebook, to stay connected to what the participants are doing and how hard they are working despite individual physical limitations, and knowing that the community is cheering for our participants, who are also local community members, has kept them very motivated.”

The thirteen business sponsors, prominently featured on the official 2024 New Leaf Link Move-A-Thon t-shirts and event posters, have played a pivotal role in boosting the fundraiser's influence and outreach within the community. “Without the business sponsorships, we would not have been able to promote this fundraiser as was needed because we simply could not have afforded the promotional campaign on our own. We are forever grateful for the generosity of our sponsors, donors, and all of the volunteers who are helping to spread the word,” says Lee.

In addition to the already heartwarming story, some of the participants of the program have taken on the role of team captains, further exemplifying their leadership and involvement in the Move-A-Thon fundraiser. These team captains, alongside staff, volunteers, and supporters, unite in their efforts to make a tangible difference in the lives of those involved with New Leaf Link.

This added dimension showcases the empowerment and inclusivity fostered within the organization, where individuals with developmental and physical disabilities not only participate but also lead initiatives driving positive change within their community.

The funds generated through the New Leaf Link Move-A-Thon fundraiser will support the organization's educational day programming, providing engaging and enjoyable educational activities for the adult participants living with developmental and physical disabilities.

You can donate to the New Leaf Link Move-A-Thon fundraiser until the end of the day on May 31, 2024, on NeLL’s secure website: www.newleaflink.ca/donate or with cash/electronic money transfer by contacting This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. All donations will receive a tax receipt. 

For updates and to follow the New Leaf Link Move-A-Thon, visit: www.facebook.com/newleaflink or come out and cheer on the participants as they make their last lap for the fundraiser at the Move-A-Thon wrap-up on Friday May 31, 2024 at Centennial Park in Harrowsmith from 4-5pm.