Help us expand our impact—share the opportunity with your networks and connect us with potential sponsors.
A Partnership/Sponsorship Package is available to support your outreach to prospective partners.
Freedom to Move: Run, Walk, and Wheel for Dystonia in June 2025
Every June Canadians from coast-to-coast unite to raise awareness and critical funds for dystonia. To date, Freedom to Move has raised over $1 million to fund research, support programs, and advocacy efforts for people living with dystonia. We invite you to join us in a celebration of strength, community, and determination to make a positive impact for those living with dystonia. You can complete a walk, run, or wheel either virtually in your own community or join us in-person.
Toronto In-Person Event
| National Virtual Event
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Date: June 8th, 2025 Location: Downsview Park, Toronto Event Highlights:
Click here for event details. |
Date: June 1st - 30th, 2025 Location: All Across Canada Event Highlights:
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Corporate Team Discount:
Available for in-person Toronto teams with 10+ participants.
Please email us info@dystoniacanada.org for more information.
Thank You to Our Generous Sponsors and Partners!
Sponsors
Prizing Sponsor
Media Sponsor
Don't forget to share your progress with us on social media by using the hashtag #FreedomToMove!
Fundraising/Social Media Resources:
- Freedom to Move Video Contest: Lives in Motion
What’s the Contest About?
Freedom to Move is more than just a fundraising initiative—it's a movement to raise awareness and bring dystonia to the forefront. This year, we challenge YOU to join the viral movement! Share a video of how you move—whether it's navigating life with dystonia or participating in an activity for the cause. Your video raises awareness and sparks understanding of this condition. Let’s move for dystonia—because everyone deserves the freedom to move.
Who Can Participate?Everyone is welcome! Whether you have dystonia or are a friend, family member, or ally, we encourage YOU to take part. Note: While this contest is open to all, we encourage you to create your Freedom to Move fundraising page to maximize your impact and help support the cause.
What to Film?Share a video that highlights how you move—whether it’s your personal story, an activity you enjoy, or your fundraising journey.
If you have dystonia or are sharing a loved one’s experience, please consider including the following:What does life with dystonia look like without support?
How has your life changed with treatment and support?
Why is supporting dystonia awareness and DMRF Canada so important?
Keep it short—under 1 minute—but make it meaningful!
How to Submit?Post your video on social media, use #FreedomToMove, and tag DMRF Canada.
Challenge 3 people to join by tagging them!
This is your chance to make a real difference! Your story will help raise awareness, inspire others, and show what it’s like to live with dystonia. Whether you’re supporting loved ones or advocating for the newly diagnosed, your video can bring hope and drive critical support for research and programs.Incentives and Deadline
The video with the most shares and likes wins an exciting Prize Pack to celebrate their impact! Don’t wait—contest ends June 30! Share your video today and be part of this powerful movement to raise awareness and fund research. Your story could spark real change!
*Note: Contest entries and eligibility are open to Canadian residents only.- Logo
- Press Release
https://dystoniacanada.org/news/press-release
A Critical Call to Action for the Dystonia, Hydrocephalus & Spina Bifida Communities
Rising Costs, Fewer Sponsors: Why Community Support Is More Urgent Than EverToronto, ON – May 26, 2025 –
This June, Canadians from coast to coast are invited to unite in support of the over 50,000 individuals in Canada living with dystonia, a debilitating and often misunderstood neurological movement disorder.
The Dystonia Medical Research Foundation (DMRF) Canada is proud to lead Freedom to Move: Run, Walk, and Wheel for Dystonia, a national awareness and fundraising initiative that has raised over $1 million to date for critical research, support programs, and advocacy efforts. This year’s campaign is proudly supported by our 2025 Freedom to Move Family Ambassadors, Ken and Ruth Jenkins, and our valued sponsor, the Ontario Brain Institute (OBI). Participants can join virtually from their communities or attend in person on June 8 at Downsview Park in Toronto.Powered by Partnership
This event is presented by DMRF Canada in proud partnership with Hydrocephalus Canada, reflecting our shared commitment to improving the lives of individuals impacted by neurological and neurodevelopmental conditions. Together, we’re making a greater impact—united in voice, action, and hope.This year's event takes on added significance.
Amid inflation and economic instability, major sponsors across North America are stepping back—leaving a significant gap in funding for essential health charities. For organizations like DMRF Canada and our event partner, Hydrocephalus Canada, this means that programs, supports services, and critical health services are at risk.Now, more than ever, we are calling on individuals, families, and communities to step forward and help safeguard the future of these services. Your registration, donation, and voice help ensure that people living with dystonia, hydrocephalus, and spina bifida don’t face these challenges alone.
Freedom to Move is more than a walk—it’s a movement.
Whether you walk, run, or wheel, your participation sends a powerful message of unity and hope. Together, we are celebrating resilience, pushing for progress, and fueling real change for those impacted by dystonia and other complex neurological conditions.EVENT DETAILS
Event: Freedom to Move: Run, Walk, and Wheel for Dystonia
Date: Sunday, June 8, 2025
Time: 9:30 AM – 2:00 PM
Location: Downsview Park – Orchard Pavilion, 70 Canuck Ave, North York, ON M3K 2C
Register Dystonia Here: www.freedomtomove.org- Fundraising Resources
- Sponsorship Resources
- Partnership Resources
- Social Media
- Info Pack
- Media Mentions
Interview: DMRF Canada on MET Radio 1208 AM - 🎧 Listen now (June 13 episode, starts at 11:00 min): Click here to listen
We were proud to be featured and to share our mission, the Freedom to Move campaign, and the challenges small charities face in fundraising.
- Looking to Volunteer?
We’re currently seeking enthusiastic and dedicated volunteers to support Freedom to Move: Run, Walk and Wheel for Dystonia—our largest annual fundraising event! This year, the event is proudly co-hosted with Hydrocephalus Canada, bringing together two important causes for one incredible day.
📅 Event Details
Date: Sunday, June 8, 2025
Time: 8:30 AM – 12:30 PM (4 hours total)
Location: Downsview Park – Orchard Pavilion
(Corner of Keele St. and Downsview Park Blvd.)
📍 (View Map)
🙌 Volunteer Role: Cheer Volunteer (Course Marshal)
As a Cheer Volunteer, you'll be stationed along the event route to cheer on participants, provide encouragement, and help create a supportive and fun atmosphere for everyone involved. This is a perfect opportunity to enjoy the outdoors, uplift others, and play a key role in making the event memorable.
🎯 We are currently in great need of course volunteers—your energy and enthusiasm can make all the difference!
🎁 Volunteer Perks
Complimentary refreshments during the event
Confirmation letters for volunteer hours available upon request
A fun, meaningful way to support people affected by dystonia and hydrocephalus
📌 Important Information
Volunteers must be at least 16 years old on the event day
If you’re under 18, a parent or guardian must sign the waiver on your behalf
All volunteers are required to sign a waiver prior to the event
Volunteers are responsible for their own transportation
Downsview Park is accessible via TTC and GO Transit
💬 Ready to Volunteer or Have Questions?
Please contact Ingrid Exner at
📧 iexner@hydrocephalus.ca