It was certainly colourful last Sunday (September 2) at Mitford Park.

The second annual Vaughn Memomorial Colour Run saw over 120 runners of all ages hit the paved trail as they took part in the fun run for a heart-worthy cause.

Raising awareness and funds for pediatric cardiac care, runners crossed the finish line bearing an assortment of rainbow colours.

Although the second year proved to be easier to manage shares Jaime Sawchuk, Organizer, it will always be a day full of emotion. "Seeing all the smiles on everybody's face is  attaching those happy memories to Vaughn after all the trauma, is amazing."

The Sawchuk family lost little Vaughn when he was only 28 days old after he battled a heart defect known as Ebstein's Anomaly. After spending a great deal of time at the Stollery Children's Hospital in Edmonton, the Sawchuk's continue to advocate for the Pediatric Cardiac Intensive Care Unit as well as Little Heart Heroes Camp.

Raising well over their hopeful $10,000 target, the Sawchuk's were both amazed at the final number. "We have a rough amount raised of $11,792 just from sponsorship, registration and West Jet Gift of Flight (ticket sales) but it's always going to be about the awareness. It's not just us we're supporting but a whole community of people that are trying to raise money and awareness for the greater good and I really think that is what it's all about." 

Also thrilled with the amount of community and leadership support, Jaime's heart is full. "We are really grateful for the support Cochrane has shown the foundation and this event. We are just over the moon and still kind of in shock how everything happened. But we are just really grateful for everyone that supported, donated, and registered; we already have the gears turning for next year."

New for the Sawchuk's this year was seeking out sponsorship donations and many companies big and small got involved. Darcy Scott, owner of Grilled Food Truck donated more than half of his gross sales. "After reading Vaughn's story on the website, I just decided to do what I could for the foundation. The strength of this family and their ability to give back blows me away."

While the Sawchuk's don't have their next event etched out quite yet, she says the colour run will certainly be back for the third year. "It's coming back for next year and we've already had a lot of interest expressed for next year. I know we'll keep building and growing it to the best that we can and hopefully it is still received that way year after year. We'll never stop doing our thing for the foundation."

If you would like to find out more information about the foundation or watch for upcoming events, go HERE.