Dedicated to brightening spirits and spreading smiles, the second annual Time for Hope Colours Cochrane will be running the course on Saturday, May 11 at Mitford Pond.
The five-km colour run, spurred by the Student Leadership Program at Bow Valley High School (BVHS) will donated all fundraised dollars to the Cochrane Pregnancy Care Centre this year.
Last year, the colourful students raised some $10,000 for The Club – the long-awaited teen hangout opened up last year by the Boys and Girls Club of Cochrane and Area.
"We had so, so much success last year so we thought we would do it again this year," said BVHS Grade 11 student Grace Harvey, one of the organizers who "fell in love" with the Leadership program three years ago when she first came on board; this year there are 42 students in the program.
Harvey explained that in previous year Time for Hope has hosted more of a gala-style event and other events centered around "giving back" to the community – such as two years ago when students performed odd jobs around town.
Each year the Leadership program at BVHS runs a major fundraiser for deserving non-profits and groups around town. This year, to celebrate Mother's Day the group decided on raising for the local pregnancy care centre.
"It's an awesome organization," said Melissa Smith, who co-teaches the accredited program with Sheldon Betts, adding that the local centre provides the spectrum of support for young mothers in need – including before and after baby supports.
"The students are really excited for it ... we've been gearing up and making colours all week."
Last year 200 runners participated in the run.
The student-led event will take over Mitford Pond from 8 a.m.-noon, with games, a silent auction and food trucks abound. The run starts at 10 a.m.
The Cochrane Eagle staff has challenged Mayor Jeff Genung to the 5-km footrace for his second year. He accepted.
His advice for those looking to dust off their shoes and take part in the charity run?
"If you have never participated in a colour run then you need to check this out. " said Genung, a 13-time Ironman competitor. "Not only is it for a great cause but also a great way to get in shape, get outside and have some fun. Who doesn't like running through crowds of colour with a cheering squad?"
Genung will be recovering from the Firefighter Stairclimb Challenge raising funds to combat cancer for Wellspring Calgary this weekend in Calgary. To date Genung has raised nearly $15,000 to Challenge the Chief in the major climb of 1204 steps of the Bow Tower against Calgary Fire Chief Steve Dongworth.
Banff-Airdrie MP Blake Richards will get the group started with a few words.
To register, visit Time for Hope Colours Colour 2019 on Facebook and follow the Event Brite link for early bird pricing at https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/time-for-hope-colours-cochrane-2019-tickets-59444197194.
On-site registration will be available too.
