Zach Hofer may have to complete another run to Ottawa to work off today’s fundraising event.
Today from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. at all McDonald’s in Barrie, $1 from every Big Mac will go to Zach Makes Tracks in support of construction of the Royal Victoria Hospital’s Youth Mental Health Centre. Earlier this year, 13-year-old Zach ran from Barrie to Ottawa for the cause he has become passionate about helping. Zach’s mom Shelley explained that the reason for the big day today was very simple and was put together because of her son’s wish after that run.
“When we asked Zach what he wanted when he crossed the finish line in Ottawa back in September, what would make him feel like he accomplished something he had two requests,” said Shelley. “One, he wanted a ribbon to run through like they do in marathons and he wanted to eat a Big Mac. The funny is thing is we don’t stop him from eating Big Macs, that’s just what he wanted when he finished and it was his celebration food to look forward to.”
Through friends of the Hofers, many McDonald’s locations along the route of Zach’s month-long run put up words of encouragement on their signs as the teenager would approach their town. Shelley is not only proud of her boy, but also of those in Barrie and other communities who have rallied around the cause that Zach holds dear.
“We have been on a whirlwind since the preparations of the run started,” said Hofer. “But as busy as we’ve been and as much as we’ve seen as far as interviews and well-wishes, it never ceases to amaze me how many people give to the cause; so many people just want to help out and today is a great example of that as we have word that all the McDonald’s locations are having a great time with this.”
To date, Zach Makes Tracks has raised just over $83,000 towards the $100,000 goal.
Zach himself was busy saying hello and talking to many who just wanted to say congratulations on his quest to raise money for the soon to be finished youth mental health facility. Speaking to the shy teenager you can tell that he would rather just stay in the background but is appreciative of all the support.
“It is a little overwhelming I have to admit,” said Zach of the massive attention today’s event received. “It’s all over social media and people have been coming in and buying Big Macs non-stop, so it is really cool that everyone has been paying attention and wants to help out.”
Zach and his mom were at the Bayfield and Livingstone location for the lunchtime rush but as soon as the teenager was finished there, it was off to school with enough food for his classmates.
“Yeah, mom said I was still going to school today but we are grabbing Big Macs for my class so that’s good,” said Zach.
Eric Dean is the CEO at the RVH and says that there have been many contributors over the years to helping with the new youth facility and Zach Makes Tracks is one organization that has really sped up the nearly completed task.
“We are about a month away from seeing the centre completed and within the next couple of weeks we should be announcing when we will be doing a grand opening,” said Dean. “Furnishings are coming in and the construction is getting near finished and it is very close to being done; we are all very excited.”
