For Immediate Release
April 22, 2008
OTTAWA – Some 300 runners and walkers will participate in the 13th annual Law Day Fun Run/Walk, scheduled for Friday, April 25 at the Festival Plaza in front of Ottawa City Hall (Laurier Avenue). All proceeds from the run will be donated to Ottawa Community Immigrant Services Organization (OCISO), a multi-service agency that assists immigrants and refugees with a range of settlement issues.
“Mr. Justice John Richard of the Federal Court of Canada will fire the starting pistol, signalling the start of what will hopefully be our most successful run yet,” says organizer John Westdal of Sevigny Westdal LLP, Ottawa. “There’s still time to register for the run, so let’s get out there and shake off the winter blues, welcome the arrival of spring, and contribute to a worthy cause.”
This year, participants are being asked to support “Sole Responsibility” and drop off used running shoes next Friday when they come for the race/walk. “This Ottawa-based charity has paired up with the United Nations to deliver running shoes to various African countries,” explains Westdal.
Race forms may be picked up at the County of Carleton Law Association Library, at the Running Room at 160 Slater Street, or by phoning OCISO at 613-725-5671 ext. 334. The forms are also available online through the County of Carleton Law Association, the OCISO, and the Running Room.
Late registration will be at the site from 11:30 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. on April 25. The cost for late registration is $30. Food and beverages have been arranged by Gowling Lafleur Henderson LLP.
The top three male and female finishers will receive medals. The run starts at City Hall, proceeds along the Queen Elizabeth Driveway footpath on the west side of the Canal, turns around at Fifth Avenue, and returns to Ottawa City Hall.
OCISO has been providing settlement and integration services to the community for almost 30 years. Through innovative services, community building, and public engagement, OCISO enables newcomers and their families to manage change and meet new challenges while maintaining their cultural integrity and contribute their gifts and resources to our community.
Ottawa Law Day activities are coordinated by a committee with members from the Canadian Bar Association, Justice Canada, the County of Carleton Law Association, l’Association des juristes d’expression française de l’Ontario, the Ottawa-Carleton District School Board and the Ottawa-Carleton Catholic District School Board.
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CONTACT: Hannah Bernstein, Canadian Bar Association, Tel: (613) 237-2925, ext. 146; E-mail: hannahb@cba.org.
