It’s a test of endurance in support of Stratford’s homeless youth.
The first ever Stride for Shelter, a new event aiming to raise $35,000 for Shelterlink Youth Services, is scheduled for Nov. 21.
In an interview with MyStratfordNow, organizing committee member and local social worker Alex Boersen said it’s a 24-hour event, with participants completing loops each hour by walking or running.
The goal is to simulate what it’s like to be moving around a lot out at night.
“Being uncomfortable, pushing yourself…that is having a little bit of shared empathy.”
Boersen notes the idea was formed from some members of his Coldest Night of the Year team.
“We always turned our Coldest Night of the Year group into more of a running challenge. What we did historically was if we raised a certain number of money, we’d add an extra kilometre. There’s two members (Cole Johnson and Chris Kaleel) and they’ve done a ton of ultra marathons and charity runs and they were like ‘why don’t we take this idea we’ve been doing and make it into an entire event?'”
The 24-hour aspect was inspired by Mayor Martin Ritsma’s story of spending a whole day out for a fundraiser.
Boersen said there will be multiple tents, and first aid.
He said residents can stay for the entire event or for just a few hours. Participants will be given a letter telling them what to bring.
Registration is $50.
The Stratford Education and Recreation Centre is the venue and it starts at 10 a.m.
