19th Annual Create A Smile Walk/Run

Create A Smile Foundation in partnership with Community Living St. Marys & Area has been creating smiles since 2004!

This fundraiser is fueled by the amazing generosity of volunteers.  All of the money raised at this event goes to Community Living to support their mission of improving the lives of people with developmental disabilities in the South Western Ontario region.  Not only has this event generated significant financial resources, it has also reminded us of the power of healthy communities.

The money raised is used to pay for things that enhance the lives of people with disabilities, their families and the communities they live in. The last two years have been extremely difficult as COVID-19 continued to impact our daily lives. With increasing living costs, the struggle is greater than ever on people with a fixed income. Many people with disabilities have an income of less than $1,100 per month. This year’s funds raised will be used to support security of home, activities for increased participation in community events, and additional accessibility features in our parks.

The ‘Create A Smile' Foundation began about 18 years ago by the Muir and Rossetti families, driven by a need that hit close to home. Our sister’s teeth needed to be pulled due to their deterioration from disability related medication. Government funding was not available to support new dentures or implants; we were determined to resolve the situation. This is where ‘Create A Smile’ began.  The first event took place in Stratford and raised over $10,000.  Over the past 17 years we have managed to raise over $239,000.00 which has been used to provide support to many people in various ways with intellectual and physical disabilities. The years have flown by and as we look back on the steps we have taken they have added up to some impactful strides and smiles made in the lives of those living with disabilities.

We hope you will join our walkathon and help us support families in our area!