CANTON — The Canton Volunteer Fire Department is hosting a 5k run/walk at 8:30 a.m. Sunday, Sept. 21, to raise money for the Canton Fire Department Auxiliary fund, fire Chief Shane Gallant said Thursday afternoon.

Gallant said that this is the second year in a row the department has held a 5k and that the Fire Department Auxiliary is responsible for organizing it.

“The auxiliary is always attempting to brainstorm new ideas for fundraisers,” Gallant said. “Last year, we had a really good turnout, and this year we’re hoping for more of the same.”

People interested in running in the Canton Fire Department’s 5k can register on the day of the event, Gallant said. Registration costs $25 and begins at 8:30 a.m., with the run itself starting at 9 a.m.

“We’re going to have people run up Jewett Hill Road, because it’s a small town road that we can control,” Gallant said. “The road offers some ups and downs. It’s not a flat course, so it offers a challenge.”

Gallant said that 50 percent of the money raised at the 5k “is earmarked for the Canton Fire Department,” while the other 50 percent will go into an account for families in need due to an emergency.

“If a family’s house burns down or is damaged in a fire, we use money from that account to help them out,” Gallant said.

mdaigle@sunjournal.com