Local RONA Dealer and Family Uniting to Fight ALS

RONA is proud to announce that Jake den Hollander, General Manager, Operations at the affiliate RONA dealer Doidge Building Centres, took part in the annual Durham WALK FOR ALS with his family to raise funds for the ALS Society of Canada. 

"ALS is a cause that is dear to my heart because I have seen what this disease does to a person firsthand," said Jake den Hollander. "Through this walk, I want to contribute to creating a better reality for people living with ALS and their families. What I like about this initiative is that it brings communities together to help shape a future where this disease can be treated. Because together, we are stronger!"

Jake and his team, Smit’s Dragonflyers – named in honour of Jake’s father-in-law, Gerrit Smit, who passed away 9 years ago after battling ALS –, have been taking part in the WALK FOR ALS since 2009. They have raised a total of $75,000 over the past 9 years. This year, to mark their 10th walk-o-thon, seventeen adults and six children were be part of the team and walked together at the annual Durham WALK FOR ALS. Their goal was to raise $25,000 and hit that $100,000 mark.

"At RONA, our purpose is to help people love where they live and that is reflected in every decision we make. It is inspiring to see one of our dealers living out this purpose and taking concrete actions to make a difference in the community," said Philippe Element, Divisional Vice-President, RONA Dealers. "It truly is an honour to count people such as Jake in the RONA family."

Every day, 2-3 persons in Canada are diagnosed with ALS, a progressive neurodegenerative disease that affects over 2,500 persons in the country. The WALK FOR ALS is the largest volunteer-led fundraising initiative for ALS in Canada. It brings communities together to raise funds to support ALS research and provide services to those living with ALS and their families. 

To learn more about the WALK FOR ALS, go to walkforals.ca.