The indoor track at the Quinte Sports and Wellness Centre was a busy spot for 24 hours straight Saturday into Sunday.
About 200 runners and walkers of all ages took part in the 24 Hour Run for the Kort Family. Between sponsors and online and cash donations, the event raised more than $89,000 for the tragedy-stricken family.
Belleville lawyer Pieter Kort, his wife Jamie and four children were stopped at a Florida intersection during March break when a cement truck slammed into their van from behind, killing young daughters Madeline and Joni and injuring the others.
One of run’s organizers, Sam Brady, said the tragedy has shown the heart of the community.
“When the Korts are down in Florida and we can’t hug them and tell them how much we love them and want to support them you spring into action and the community’s done that, right?”
His voice breaking at times, he said that what happened to the Korts is something everyone dreads in their private moments and that everyone could be thankful that Belleville is such a supportive community.
One of the run’s organizers Sam Brady. (Photo: Quinte News)
The local legal community immediately stepped up after the collision raising about $60,000 to help the Korts as they recovered in Florida. A GoFundMe page sits at close to $500,000. Brady said over $600,000 in total has been raised for the family and that they’d need every penny to continue their recovery over the long term.
The 24 Hour Run for the Kort Family was the brainchild of Mickey Delaney, one of the owners and trainers at Belleville’s Bulldog Boxing Academy.
“Everyone in some way has been affected by this in Belleville and it’s great to see many people coming out just to show their care and love for the family.”
Pieter Kort was one of the original members of Bulldog Boxing, located in the Downtown District, and Delaney said he was first in and last out of the gym and a hard worker who was liked while at the same time serving as an inspiration to other members.
At the end of the run, Delaney offered a prayer to those gathered, wondering why such a tragedy befell such a wonderful family and imploring God to take care of “those two beautiful angels” (Madeline and Joni) and to care for the rest of the Kort family here on earth.
One of the owners and trainers at Belleville’s Bulldog Boxing Academy Mickey Delaney offers prayer at the run’s closing ceremony. (Photo: Quinte News)
There was a moment of silence followed by remarks from Bay of Quinte riding MP Ryan Williams who said the collision and its aftermath showed the heart and resilience of the community. “This is not going to be a fast recovery, this is going to be a long recovery for the family. We’re here to love you and to help you heal as you go through this.”
Williams called the outpouring of support for the Korts “incredible.”
Bay of Quinte riding MP Ryan Williams speaks at the event’s close. One of the organizers Sam Brady is in background. (Photo: Quinte News)
Pieter Kort stopped in at the track late Saturday offering words of support and thanks to the participants. The family is now back from Florida and recovering.
Named the Ironlady of the run was Loralee McInroy, who spent a total of 16 hours rounding the sports centre’s quarter mile track.
Members of the Belleville Police Service’s Emergency Response Team ran all 24 hours and also topped the team fundraising list.
