A 5k run and walk along the Coquihalla River raises money for a small hospital that means a lot to the people who rely on it.

The Fraser Valley Health Care Foundation's Run for Hope returns May 2 in Hope, starting and finishing at Fraser Canyon Hospital. The route winds along the river through Thacker Park before looping back to the hospital. Registration opens at 9 AM with the run starting at 10 AM. Entry is $10 for participants 13 and under, and $20 for everyone else.

This year's fundraising goal is specific: purchasing an iCare IC200 Tonometer for Fraser Canyon Hospital — a portable device that measures pressure inside the eye, used in diagnosing and monitoring glaucoma and other eye conditions. Unlike older methods that require air puffs or anesthetic drops, this technology uses a small probe that briefly touches the cornea and rebounds, calculating eye pressure from the rebound pattern. It's non-invasive, comfortable for patients, and can be used with people in a variety of positions — sitting, standing, or lying down — making it especially useful when traditional equipment isn't an option.

For a small community hospital like Fraser Canyon, specialized equipment like this doesn't always come through regular funding channels. That's where community fundraising steps in, and Run for Hope has become a reliable part of that picture.

"In a small town, the hospital isn't just a building — it's where our families are cared for during the moments that matter most," said returning participant Sile Gaughan. "Running the 5k is my way of giving back and helping ensure that our hospital can continue to be there for all of us."

Another returning participant, Emma Gittens, has a more personal connection to the cause. "I was born at Fraser Canyon Hospital, so supporting the walk feels personal," she said. "Small hospitals like this are so important to the communities they serve."

Prizes will be awarded for oldest and youngest participants, fastest men's and women's times, and top fundraiser, with door prizes and surprise giveaways on the day as well. Registration is open at fvhcf.ca/runforhope.