For Kate Richard, running as a teen and in university was a way to help her cope.
“No matter whether I ran a kilometer or 10 kilometres, I would always think ‘Look how far I’ve come,’ most of the time not even referring to the distance that day,” she said. “Just more of a healthy outlet for me when I had some unhealthy body images.”
Sunday, she’s organizing her second 5K for the Kids in Canatara Park to raise money for St. Clair Child and Youth Services.
A virtual event in 2022 with about 50 runners raised $1,000 for the agency offering mental health services to youngsters and their families.
This year’s first in-person event, which goes Sunday, May 7, has signed up twice as many runners and raised $4,000 to $5,000 so far, she said. That money will help SCCYS provide everything from grocery cards and rides to appointments for clients to training for staff.
“It’s hard to help a young child if they don’t have nourishment in their home,” she said.
Richard said she wanted to stay involved in community events after changing careers amid the disruption of the COVID-19 pandemic, becoming a mortgage broker after being a supervisor at companies in Sarnia’s Chemical Valley.
“The thing that I missed the most was the charities and the fundraisers and everything I used to be a part of when I worked for a bigger business,” she said. “And I thought, ‘I don’t need to work for anybody else to do these events or fundraisers.’ ”
Along with the run, she’s organized an October coat drive for the Inn of the Good Shepherd that’s brought in more than 1,000 coats in two years.
“And then the second one I wanted to do was something that is close to my heart, which is just running,” she said.
Being able to get outside and be active, along with support systems, was good for her mental health, so she’s hoping to encourage others to follow suit, she said. “And if that’s not going to do it, then we’ve also got this amazing St. Clair Child and Youth,” she said.
SCCYS provided services to about 2,000 people in the year ending March 2023, the agency’s Craig McKenzie said recently.
Asking for help is difficult, but getting help if you need it is important, Richard said. “If you’re struggling with something, even in the early stages, reach out.”.
The run and walk, which isn’t timed, is meant as a family event, Richard said. It includes medals for all, face painting, music, and gift bags with items from various sponsors.
Online registration continues until end of day on Friday, May 5, at events.runningroom.com. Day-of registration and race kit pickup starts at 8 am May 7, with the event starting at 9 am, she said.
Richard, who hopes the run will keep growing, thanked sponsors, a team of about 10 volunteers, and her family.
“Hopefully it’s a really fun, lively event,” she said.