Second Annual Jonesy’s Run Supports ALS Initiatives in Windsor-Essex
Community event honours late coach Bob Jones while raising funds and awareness
The second edition of Jonesy’s Run took place on Saturday at the newly opened community plaza in Lakewood Park, located in the Town of Tecumseh, with the aim of raising funds for individuals and families in Windsor-Essex affected by amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS).
The event, which includes a five-kilometre run and walk, is held in memory of Bob Jones, a longtime hockey coach who died from ALS two summers ago at the age of 54. Jones had a significant presence in the local sports community, having spent eight seasons with the Windsor Spitfires, including serving as associate coach during their consecutive Memorial Cup victories in 2009 and 2010, and later as head coach for one season. He also took on the role of assistant coach for the Ottawa Senators.
Dave Orshinsky, one of the event organizers and a member of the ALS Society of Windsor-Essex, highlighted that the purpose of Jonesy’s Run is twofold: to support people in the region living with ALS and to contribute to ongoing research efforts seeking a cure. Orshinsky, who lost his brother to ALS five years ago, noted that the condition "seems to be fairly prevalent" in the Windsor area, with the local ALS society supporting approximately 36 to 40 people annually.
Orshinsky described the support provided by the ALS Society of Windsor-Essex, which supplies essential equipment such as hospital beds, wheelchairs, and breathing assist machines to individuals battling ALS. He emphasized that these resources are provided free of charge and are made possible through fundraising events like Jonesy’s Run. "Our fundraising from events like Jonesy's runs help us do that," Orshinsky said.
ALS, also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease, is a progressive neurological disorder that causes increasing paralysis and ultimately leads to a complete loss of muscle control. Individuals diagnosed with ALS often experience the gradual loss of the ability to walk, speak, and breathe, making support and resources critical for maintaining quality of life.
Bob Jones’s family members expressed appreciation for the ongoing community support. His daughter, Brianna, told CBC Windsor that the event serves not only to honour her father but also to raise awareness for ALS as a whole. "We just want to spread awareness, get more research and hopefully to one day find a cure," she said. Brianna also acknowledged the importance of communal participation, saying, "It's not just about my dad, but the disease and the entirety of it — it's very nice to see everybody show up."
Paige Jones, Bob’s widow, expressed satisfaction that all proceeds from the event would remain in Windsor and benefit the ALS Society of Windsor-Essex. She encouraged community members to participate, saying, "Just come out tomorrow and have some fun and let’s raise some money for a good cause."
Reflecting on the inaugural Jonesy’s Run held the previous year, Orshinsky reported that more than 200 participants took part, generating about $17,000 for the local ALS organization. For this year’s event, organizers anticipated a similar turnout, with registration open on the morning of the event at Lakewood Park from 7:30 a.m. to 8:45 a.m.
The local ALS Society uses the funds raised to continue supporting individuals throughout their experience with ALS, with a focus on enabling people to remain comfortable in their homes. The society’s provision of equipment and resources aims to address the practical challenges associated with the disease, which has no known cure and often results in significant physical and logistical demands on patients and their families.
The event also functions as a platform to increase public understanding of ALS and the needs of those affected. By drawing participants and supporters from across the community, Jonesy’s Run underscores both the local impact of the disease and the collective efforts required to address it. Organizers and family members alike indicate that the event’s significance extends beyond fundraising, highlighting the importance of awareness, solidarity, and ongoing research.
The decision to host this year’s run at the new community plaza in Lakewood Park reflects a commitment to both accessibility and visibility, allowing for greater participation and engagement. The continued support for Jonesy’s Run suggests an ongoing effort within Windsor-Essex to address the challenges posed by ALS and to honour the legacy of individuals such as Bob Jones, whose personal and professional contributions remain recognized within the community.