Registration opened Nov. 12 for the City of Chestermere’s inaugural Santa Fun Run, a Dec. 14 fundraiser that will support access to recreational programs and services for local families in need.
The event is a collaborative effort between the City’s recreation coalition and its Gifts of Kindness Program – a charity initiative that helps families in Chestermere and southeast Rocky View County meet their basic needs.
“[This event] is part of our vision to make sure recreation is accessible to everyone in our community,” said the City's Community Recreation Co-ordinator Kate Richards.
“There are those folks who need access to things like transportation to go to swimming lessons, or to stay locally and join a soccer team. We want to make sure everyone has the ability to do that.”
The partnership is comprised of various community groups and organizations within the city and region, according to Richards, including the Chestermere Regional Community Association, the Chestermere Public Library, Camp Chestermere and the Synergy Youth and Community Development Society, among others.
She described the coalition as a support group for recreation providers.
“[Our aim is] promoting a holistic view of recreation, arts and culture, while promoting health, wellness and social connection,” she said. “We focus on areas of collaboration, avoiding program and service overlap, and making sure there are partnerships for community events, supporting fundraisers and initiating grants.”
Taking place from 8 to 10 a.m., the Santa Fun Run will feature a five-kilometre run starting and ending at Anniversary Park, on the west side of Chestermere Lake. The cost is $10 for adults and $5 for participants under the age of 18.
Along with the run, the event will include a merry ambiance, according to Richards, with a fire pit, hot chocolate and Christmas carolers on site.
“It will be a really fun, festive time, so there will be lots of community joy,” she said. “I think it’s just about giving back, having fun and being active.”
Runners will make their way down West Chestermere Drive, turning right onto Merganser Drive West and looping back towards the park. The run is not a race and times will not be recorded, according to Richards.
To register, visit bit.ly/34V4FZR
Along with supporting a good cause, Richards said, participating in the Santa Fun Run provides an opportunity to get moving.
“Being active is really important,” she said. “When you’re active, it positively affects your physical health, but also your social health and mental health.”
According to Richards, the event is weather-dependent. Registered participants will be contacted beforehand if weather changes result in unsafe running conditions.
