Calgary, as I’m sure you know, is a fit, vibrant, giving city. Everyone here loves to get out and enjoy the beautiful place they live in, be it by going for a run, joining a club, or supporting a charity event they believe in. With spring and summer just around the corner, there are more and more opportunities appearing to do those things – especially running and doing philanthropic work!
courtesy of personalrunningsolutions.com
Throughout the year, Calgary is host to dozens of fund-raising and awareness walks and runs around the city, but there is a definite increase in events during the warm summer months. Have you thought about getting out there and walking, skipping, jogging, or running for a cause? Even those of us not interested in lacing up our running shoes can get involved since each and every event needs a small army of volunteers!
On April 26th, there will be the Transplant Trot, which was originally created to celebrate life after transplants, increase awareness about transplants, and increase the number of registered organ and tissue donors. You can choose from a 3km, 5km, or 10km walk or run, and awards are presented to the first place finishers, fundraisers, and volunteers. On May 25th, the MS Walk and Run is being held to raise funds and awareness for multiple sclerosis – and there are already 660 people registered!
The Underwear Affair (courtesy of uncoverthecure.org)
This year’s Underwear Affair takes to the streets on June 7th, with the new addition of the Booty Hunt: a team scavenger hunt around the city, as well as their traditional 5km walk and 10km run. The Underwear Affair is always a blast to participate in or volunteer with, if only for the bright colours and fun costumes (although I promise there is so much more to it!). July closes out with the Multiple Miles for Myeloma run on the 26th, where all funds raised will support myeloma research conducted at the University of Calgary.
courtesy of TerryFox.org
The iconic Terry Fox Run (I’m sure I’m not the only one who did this every year in school!) on September 14th will continue to raise incredible funds for discovery based research in Canada, already boasting $20 million to date. And as the cool weather closes in, the Ambulance Chasers Charity Run will be held on October 3rd, in an effort to raise funds for the Emergency Medical Services Foundation.
These are just a few of the 60+ fund-raising runs being held in 2014. With so many incredible events and charities coming up, you’d better start lacing up soon!