MISSISSAUGA — It's mission accomplished for Mississauga's Muslim community.

On Sunday, officials with the Mississauga Muslim Community group - a loose affiliation of the city's wider Muslim community - presented Trillium Health Partners Foundation representatives with $70,000 raised from the group's annual Family Day Walk-a-thon. The donation makes good on a pledge to raise $250,000 over five years for the foundation to improve Trillium Health Partners hospitals.

In fact, it took them just four years to raise the quarter million dollars.

"We're so humbled to share this initiative with the Mississauga community as we raise funds for our local hospital," said Erin Mills' Abdul Qayyum Mufti, chair of the walkathon.

"This event started in our city and, since then, has now become a national movement. We couldn't be more proud. When we get together to make a difference in health care, we too are helping to change our world for the better. Reaching our goal of $250,000 under five years has been a true honour for us and we know funds from this year are going towards a worthy cause that we're delighted to be a part of."

Funds raised from the recent walk will go to support the emergency department at Credit Valley Hospital. Money raised in the past has gone to other critical health care priorities.

"We're thankful to the Mississauga Muslim Community for hosting another successful event in support of Trillium Health Partners," said Steve Hoscheit, president and CEO of Trillium Health Partners Foundation. "Our emergency department currently receives more than 250,000 visits each year - the most in the province. Despite this, we continue to be a leader in reducing (emergency department) wait times. Thanks to the support of our community, our hospital can continue to meet the growing demand and provide exceptional care, right here at home."

Mufti said the grassroots fundraising campaign was designed to get the community working together for the benefit of everyone.

"It was neighbours helping neighbours and working together for a noble cause," said Mufti.

Over a thousand people took part in the walkathon on Sunday (Feb. 23), which had the theme of 'Our Children, Our Hope.'