Once again this year I’ll be racing the Canada Running Series Scotiabank Toronto Waterfront Half Marathon, but this year I’m upping my goals – not by trying to rock a PB, although yes, I will give it a try, but by participating in the Scotiabank Charity Challenge fundraising for the YWCA Toronto.

The Scotiabank Charity Challenge unites the spirit of runners with a unique fundraising program to help create a stronger future for young people and build vibrant communities.

In 2017, participants raised $3.5 million for 199 community charities through the Scotiabank Charity Challenge at the Scotiabank Toronto Waterfront Marathon. This has a huge impact.

As many of you know my mum, Jill Rumble, was the CEO of the YWCA Hamilton, before passing away 14 years ago of ALS (Lou Gehrig’s Disease). The YWCA played a huge role in my life growing up – not only keeping my sister and I busy as kids through swimming, dance, and gymnastics, but gave us our first jobs as camp councillors and life guards, but most importantly created my foundational love of fitness which had direct impact on my profession now and opening Tribe. I remember in high school waking up early on Saturday morning and going with my mum to aerobics class. Like 90s style aerobics high four-count beats, grapevines, box steps, and lots of clapping. I loved it.

Through the Scotiabank Charity Challenge, the YWCA of Toronto is hoping to reach their goal of raising $25,000 for programs that will help women and girls triumph over the barriers to equality and to make a better, more equitable world for us all.

Here’s how you can help me:

1. Donate! Any amount of money to support this cause close to my heart is greatly appreciated. Skip your morning coffee for a couple days and help us out. Click here to donate. Now I realize it might not be that simple for some of you so, here are some other options.
2. Share this post! You’ve got friends and followers, please let them know why this cause is important and share away.
3. Run and fundraise yourself. More hands (or sneakers in this case) make for light work. Check out the list of official charities here. Create an account and fundraise for a charity that’s important to you.

Thanks for supporting in any way to you. See you at the start line!

Heather