Strong Minds held its eighth annual Run For Change event on Saturday morning in an effort to raise funds for mental health and addictions in Sault Ste. Marie.
Approximately 100 people of all ages and fitness levels took part in the event, which saw them start from the Roberta Bondar Pavilion and either run or walk along a five-kilometre stretch of the city’s waterfront.
Proceeds from Saturday’s event support local mental health and addiction services, funding programs that empower individuals and families throughout the region.
“Throughout the year we will always reach out to agencies to see if there's a need for anything, and we will typically donate money to the agencies,” Strong Minds founder and CEO Amanda Lambert told SooToday.
“We also ensure that nobody gets left without, so if they need a gym membership, we will purchase that. If they're needing any services paid and they typically can't afford that, they can always come to Strong Minds and we will pay for that for them.”
The idea for Run For Change came to Lambert about nine years ago, after she had noticed a number of gaps in the health-care system and an overall lack of initiatives for mental health and addictions locally.
“I really wanted to be the change of that,” Lambert said.
The Sault’s Andy Haidar — known locally for finishing last year’s Boston Marathon in just three hours — was the first to cross the finish line at the pavilion in 18 minutes.
Lambert’s goal is to get more people coming out for next year’s Run For Change event.
“We hope to get a bigger turnout, and more people really showing their interest — and their compassion — for mental health,” Lambert said.
More information about Strong Minds can be found on the organization's website.