RUNNERS/WALKERS READY TO LACE UP FOR A GOOD CAUSE
Virtual event over four weekends to raise much-needed money for Regina Food Bank
The races have yet to begin, but the big winner has already been declared.
Proceeds from an upcoming virtual run-walk series will be donated to the Regina Food Bank, which is encountering challenges due to COVID-19.
“We have seen demand for our food hampers increase from 200 hampers a day to over 400, which equates to nearly 20,000 children, adults and seniors each month,” says David Froh, the food bank’s vice-president of community. “As rents come due, debt piles up and we face a potential second wave, food insecurity will rise and our food bank will look to the community for ongoing support.”
Some of that support will be provided thanks to a brainstorm by Brendan Mackenzie, race director of the inaugural Food Bank Virtual Run/walk Series.
The series will take place over four consecutive weekends, beginning May 16.
“This is the perfect event series for anyone looking to be active and connect with others, all while giving back to their community,” Mackenzie says.
“The series includes four different events, varying in distance from five to 10 kilometres, that can be completed anywhere in the world. You can even do them on the treadmill.
“Every dollar we raise will produce five meals to feed the hungry. Our goal is to provide 50,000 meals for the food bank.”
That would necessitate the registration of 500 participants, at a cost of $40, plus GST, per person (an amount that covers all four events).
“This will help us get food to those who need it where they need it, which these days is remotely delivered to their homes,” Froh says.
“The pandemic and food insecurity do not discriminate. It has created immense need, including many new and returning clients. Unfortunately, we expect the need to increase, making community events like this critical to feeding the community.
“The path to food insecurity can be quick. Whether a client faces reduced work hours, job loss, or a business owner sees their sales vanish, the pandemic does not discriminate.
“The pandemic has also illustrated the best of our community. We rally around each other in our time of need. What could be more Saskatchewan than feeding our neighbours?”
Resourcefulness, another trait exhibited by Saskatchewanians, has also been in evidence in this case.
Mackenzie, a 37-year-old triathlon coach and performance coach/trainer, ignited the event by reaching out to local clubs, businesses and individuals.
Support was quickly enlisted from the Jaleta Pacers distance running club, Level 10 Fitness
(of which Mackenzie is a part owner), Track and Trail, Prairie Summit Shop, Lululemon and
Dr. Nicole Mitchelson.
“When I saw that it was for the food bank, I thought it would be a good thing to do,” Pacers founder Ted Jaleta says.
The series kicks off with the Jaleta Pacers five-kilometre run/ walk, slated for May 16 and 17.
Subsequent events will be held May 23-24 (Prairie Summit 5km off-road run/walk), May 30-31 (Track and Trail 10km run/walk) and June 6-7 (Level 10 Amazing Race 5km event, which will include some “fun challenges” that are still being formulated).
Participants will have 48 hours in which to complete the assigned distances.
Results can then be emailed to the race organizer or recorded by Strava, a public platform that allows runners to record and share their data with the assistance of GPS.
“Events such as this show how our community is still able to get together and connect during this pandemic,” Mackenzie says. Those efforts are appreciated. “Runners understand that the training season never really ends,” Froh says. “For the food bank, our need is constant, making community champions like Brendan so critical to the social fabric of Regina.
“Brendan and the running community represent what is best about our community. Where there is need, people literally run with optimism and support.”