“The heart that gives, gathers.” – Lao Tzu, Chinese philosopher and writer
As recreational runners, my husband Alan and I are blessed to have finished several ultramarathons, marathons, and other runs of assorted distances. But our favourite run is one that we have never actually completed.
For the past several years, Alan and I, along with our friend Tim, have hosted an annual event that we call the Non-Resolution Run. It is a 5 km, by invitation-only fun run that takes place the morning of January 1st. As the “race directors” and sponsors of this event, we don’t actually participate, but instead focus on ensuring that our friends have an enjoyable time.
We created the Non-Resolution Run as an alternative to the Running Room’s Resolution Run event, which takes place the same day on the south side of the city. As part participants of that event, and as residents of the north end, we wanted to be able to offer our friends a shorter commute and a higher quality meal in more comfortable surroundings.
Our Non-Resolution Run features:
- an aid station with “adult beverages”;
- hand-crafted finisher medals;
- a buffet breakfast;
- free finisher photos;
- goody bags; and
- draw prizes/awards/contests.
A key aspect of our run is that all of the participants (including Alan, Tim, and I) happily pay a registration fee. I emphasize “happily” as our running tribe is comprised of some of the most kind and generous people I know. All of the money raised is donated to charity. We hold a draw and the winner chooses the charity and receives the corresponding tax receipt. Our beneficiaries to date are the MS Society of Canada, the Edmonton Humane Society, the Heart and Stroke Foundation, and Little Warriors.
With the holiday season approaching, you’ll likely hear about the needs of several charitable organizations in your community. If you are able, dig a bit deeper into your pockets and consider giving a gift to a cause that aligns with your values.
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