2012 Hog Jog  Names
Honourary Chair and Cause

The Ontario Pork Industry Council (OPIC) is pleased to announce that all pledges from the 2012 Hog Jog will be going to ONE CARE Home and Community Support Services’ Meals on Wheels Program – to be used specifically to purchase commercial gas stoves.

This contribution to ONE CARE and the Meals on Wheels will be made in memory of Ruth Schuler. Ruth and her husband Fred established Schuler Farms outside of Stratford after emigrating from Switzerland 27 years ago. The Schuler’s became major stakeholders in the hog industry, mentors for many and a very respected name. Fred and Ruth have raised four great sons, who have become part of the family farms. In addition to working on the farm, Ruth was a giving, community minded individual who volunteered endless hours of her time. One of her many causes was the Meals on Wheels program, delivering warm meals along with her warm smile and enthusiasm for life. Ruth passed away this past spring after a short illness.

The ONE CARE Meals on Wheels program delivers to all of Huron County as well as Stratford and surrounding area. The program delivers 42,000 meals each year of which 22,000 are hot meals delivered to clients in their homes by volunteers. As there are limited hot meal providers in Huron County, there is currently a waiting list. The gas stoves will help to expand the number of hot meals delivered to clients throughout Huron County. For more information on the ONE CARE Meals on Wheels program and other services visit www.onecaresupport.ca.

Meals on Wheels is one of the home and community support programs offered by ONE CARE which enable seniors and people with disabilities to enjoy a good quality life as they age at home.

The Hog Jog has raised a combined total of $154,500 for six very worthy local causes over the past six years. Past causes were the Parkinson Society of Southwestern Ontario, The Heart and Stroke Foundation’s AED program, The Alzheimer Society of Perth County, The Lung Association Asthma Awareness program, the Emergency Department of the Stratford General Hospital and National Service Dogs training Centre.

OPIC’s Pork for a Cause Hog Jog is a 3.5km run/walk and 10km run held each year during the Ontario Pork Congress. The goal of the Hog Jog is to raise awareness about an important local cause, give back to the community, and celebrate the people of the pork industry. It is also about having fun! We have had great fun over the past 6 years. Participation has increased to 450 walkers and runners and race records have been set and broken.

The 7th annual charity run/walk and pork dinner will be held the evening of Tuesday, June 19th at the Stratford Rotary Complex. This is a family fun event for runners of all ages.