Running for money
Yellowknife Women's Centre raising cash for physical fitness and well-being
Robin Grant
Northern News Services
Friday, April 28, 2017
SOMBA K'E/YELLOWKNIFE
The Yellowknife Women's Centre is hoping to raise $50,000 for fitness programming, and they're hitting the pavement to do it.
Bree Denning, front, and Anusa Sivalingam participate in one of the weekly runs the Yellowknife Women's Society has been holding since the beginning of April to raise money for fitness programming for women and families. - photo courtesy of Facebook
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At the end of May, participants in the society's new physical fitness fundraising campaign will be joining the Scotiabank Calgary Marathon Charity Challenge, which this year is celebrating Canada 150 with races ranging from five to 150 kilometres.
The marathon is the first of many events and activities the society has planned to raise money throughout the year.
Yellowknife Women's Centre executive director Bree Denning said all funds raised will go toward fitness programming so women and their families can take part in physical fitness, well-being or on-the-land activities.
"It will go toward providing equipment, like sports bras that are hard to come by, or any sort of specialized equipment," she explained. "Or to help pay for entry fees and stuff like that for people who want to try some physical activity in the community, as well as looking to pay transportation or other supplies."
To gear up for the marathon, the society has been offering a learn-to-run 5k program and a 10k running group since the beginning of April.
So far the society has raised $1,400, Denning said.
Board chair Anusa Sivalingam said this fundraising effort is crucial because there is a lack of access to physical fitness activities in the North for women and families who don't have financial means.
"I think it is important because we know that there is a connection between physical fitness and wellness and mental health," Sivalingam said. "By providing opportunities, it provides another link to access opportunities that they might not be able to based on income or based on their economic situation."
The society also runs the Centre for Northern Families, a women's shelter and the Centre for Northern Families Daycare.
