The 11th annual Superhero Run was about more than a successful day of fundraising. On Saturday, Oct. 4 at Brock University, participants, volunteers, sponsors, and supporters helped the event soar past an incredible milestone: more than $1 million raised since it began.

This year alone, nearly 700 community members, including more than 350 participants and 150 volunteers, helped raise $174,092, bringing the event’s lifetime total to $1,031,120.

The Superhero Run has always been more than a race. Designed to be accessible and family-friendly, the event welcomes participants of all abilities to run, walk, or roll through courses built around inclusion, fun, and community connection. Families also enjoyed the popular one-kilometre route, featuring interactive activity stations where children could throw, smash, climb, and play their way to the finish line.

Among this year’s many superheroes was Team Mighty Malcolm, whose story reflected exactly why the community continues to rally around the event.

Malcolm DeWildt has been supported by the Centre since infancy after being diagnosed with infantile spasms, a rare form of epilepsy. Through physiotherapy, occupational therapy, speech-language therapy, and family supports, Malcolm continues to reach milestones that once felt uncertain.

“Malcolm has had to work exceptionally hard to make progress, and we could not be prouder of him,” shared his mother, Mary-Kate DeWildt. “He’s just recently started sitting independently, which means he can engage with his surroundings so much more.”

Team Mighty Malcolm became the event’s top fundraising team, raising more than $6,700 with support from family and friends.

The Viola-Salter Group, a division of Scotia Wealth Management, returned as presenting sponsor for the 11th consecutive year. Partners Joe Viola and Grier Salter have been proud champions of the event for 10 years, contributing to more than $226,000 raised over its history.

As the final participants crossed the finish line, one message was clear: the Superhero Run is about more than fundraising. It is about community, inclusion, and ensuring children and families across Niagara continue to receive the support they need to thrive.

One million dollars raised represents countless acts of generosity. More importantly, it represents thousands of children whose journeys have been supported every step of the way.