The Central Alberta Women’s Emergency Shelter (CAWES) is looking to have some fun with Red Deerians on July 9 in their 10th year of the Fun Run for Families.
This event features a 5 km run or walk as well as a 10 km race. The run and walk will take place starting at Heritage Ranch and registration is on the day of the event.
Participants are invited to raise pledge money for the cause and registration fees will be waived for anyone raising over $100. Registration costs otherwise are $25 for the 5 km run or walk and $45 for the 10 km race.
“We encourage families to participate together to show their support of women and children in Central Alberta,” said Anna Sheridan, special events and volunteer coordinator for CAWES.
CAWES provides a home-like shelter that can house 36 women and children at one time. Clients of CAWES require temporary safe refuge until they can establish themselves after leaving an abusive situation.
Last year’s event raised $18,000 and Sheridan is hoping that this year will see the same, if not more, in fundraising efforts.
“The event and the participants continue to raise important funds for the shelter. Our goal is to promote healthy families and relationships.”
Sheridan describes the event as being a fun and challenging activity that families can do together or with friends.
“Domestic violence is an issue that affects many people in our community. In fact, Central Alberta has one of the highest rates of domestic violence in the country.”
Participating in the Fun Run for Families is an important way for people to show their support of women and children who remove themselves from abusive situations.
In addition to the run and walk, the event hosts a pancake breakfast as well as prizes for top runners and fund-raisers.
Sheridan said the event is staffed by a group of about 15 – 20 volunteers and that help is always welcome for those who want to take part.
“The most amazing part of the day is seeing how many people in our community are willing to take a stand against domestic violence.”
The issue of domestic violence thrives on silence, said Sheridan, and continues to become more pervasive the less it is discussed.
“As a community we need to come together and say ‘no, we will not allow this to happen.’ It is inspiring to see so many people do so at the Fun Run for Families.”
For more information visit www.cawes.com or contact Anna Sheridan at 403-597-4142.
kpalardy@reddeerexpress.com
