Team Réjeanne is fundraising for Perley Health Foundation in memory of Réjeanne Fairhead, a truly inspiring woman to so many people.

Réjeanne Fairhead began volunteering at The Perley and Rideau Veterans’ Health Centre (now Perley Health), the moment the doors opened at 1750 Russell Road, in September 1995. At the time, Réjeanne was 68 years old and excited to see this new long-term care home opening in her neighbourhood. Over the past 30 years, Réjeanne officially logged more than 10,000 hours volunteering at Perley Health, though we are certain she contributed much more time “off the record”.

A few years ago, Réjeanne moved into the Perley Health Senior Living apartments, primarily so she could continue volunteering as long as she was able. She frequently credited her community involvement for helping her age well and to see her in action inspired many to follow her lead.

A World Record For Réjeanne

In 2022, Réjeanne inspired the entire City of Ottawa when she joined Team Perley Health to participate in the Tamarack Ottawa Race Weekend. Her neighbour and fellow volunteer had asked her to join her for the 5 KM walk. Réjeanne refused three times before deciding it would be easier to say yes than to have Marie continue asking her.

When her family first learned what Réjeanne was planning, they feared she might be trampled by other racers. Then they, and the Perley Health Foundation, discovered she was the eldest participant ever to register for Race Weekend. This kicked off a media storm and a pursuit to set a record for racers in her age category. While raising money to support the Perley Health Foundation and increasing awareness of our work in the community, Réjeanne embodied the benefits of active living for seniors and gained countless fans, many of whom cheered from the sidelines throughout her race. She set a Canadian record for women aged 95 to 99 and was interviewed by eight different media outlets. After learning her finish time was just shy of a world record, Réjeanne trained harder and captured this record as well, the following year.

Réjeanne's Ongoing Legacy

Réjeanne always maintained that “age is just a number” but she appreciated how uplifting it can be to share this number with others. She beamed when recounting how proud her grandchildren are of her accomplishments and told me recently: “I’m glad I did it. I inspired a lot of people.”

Rest in peace, Réjeanne. You will continue to inspire us.

Read more about Réjeanne's experience in the Ottawa Race Weekend

https://www.runottawa.ca/96-year-old-canadian-woman-runs-for-world-record-at-tamarack-ottawa-race-weekend

https://www.cbc.ca/player/play/video/1.6857694