Local YMCA’s 2020 Walk, Run & Roll Challenge surpasses goal

The YMCA of Eastern Ontario’s 100 km Walk, Run & Roll Challenge wrapped up on Friday, Jul. 31, 2020. The two week challenge raised money to support the charitable mission of the YMCA in building healthier communities. Participants walked, ran, wheelchaired, biked, swam – used whichever activity they preferred – to complete one of five challenges over two weeks.

At the halfway mark of this challenge, the YMCA reported they were exceeding expectations with over 100 individuals and groups registered and participating.

“The community has shown such a tremendous response to our challenge. We are pleased that we could offer an event that demonstrated our values as an organization that resonated with so many,” said Rob Adams, CEO, YMCA of Eastern Ontario. “For a first time event, and particularly during such a challenging time, so many have shown their support for the mission of the Y.”

The 100 km distance was the main event, symbolic of the distance between Brockville and Kingston YMCA facilities. There were four distances set at 25, 50 and 100 km as well as a 200 km Super Challenge, which represented a “round-way trip” between both Y facilities. Groups could also participate in “relays,” adding distances travelled by group members toward their goal, making the event more accessible to all ages and abilities.

“Our initial goal was to raise $20,000,” Adams said. “Once we passed that, we raised our goal to $30,000 and were successful in raising $31,611.93.

Medals were awarded to the top two fundraisers in three categories. In addition, prizes were awarded to the top fundraisers in each category as follows:

• Top Individual Youth Prize of a a helicopter tour for two with 1000 Islands Helicopter Tours in Gananoque was awarded to Keira who raised $230.
• Top Individual Adult Prize of a round of golf for two with cart donated by Brockville Country Club and dinner at Moose McGuire’s Pub and Grill in Brockville was awarded to Abi Tripp who raised $2,020.
• Top Team Prize of a backyard BBQ for up to 10 from Otter Creek was awarded to Team Emily and Anick who raised $1,000.

About the YMCA of Eastern Ontario

The YMCA of Eastern Ontario is a charity that provides programs and services to improve health and health outcomes, develops leaders, helps build social connections and provide safe, inclusive spaces for people of all ages. The Y is Canada’s largest provider of childcare with trademarked curricula, and offers fitness and other programs including SCUBA, Karate and Total Life Care – specialized programming for individuals with chronic conditions.