It’s cold outside and the Christmas treats are calling your name… but there are many ways to get moving during the holidays, and Quesnel is finding ways to get active while also giving back.
Reason 2 Run on Reid Street is promoting fitness and charity with its fourth annual run/walk for Good Cheer.
The first event took place Wednesday (Dec. 6), with around 15 runners and walkers coming out with their non-perishable food donation to take on the route.
“I pick a route that takes less than an hour for both runners and walkers, so we are done around 6:30 p.m.,” says Reason 2 Run owner Candace Miller.
“Everyone brings a Good Cheer item, which we take to Good Cheer the next day.”
The route took the group around the downtown core, and Miller has planned the event again with a new route for Dec. 13, so there’s still a chance to get involved.
She also has another festive run planned for Dec. 20: the Christmas Lights Walk, which will take participants on a tour of the best-lit houses close to town.
”Everyone gets a flashing ring to light us up on the streets.
“The weather determines how far we will go that night, but if it is good we will go through Johnston Sub, Carson Sub and back through North Quesnel.”
Miller says the group will gather afterwards for hot chocolate, and there will be a donation jar passed around in aid of the SPCA.
“Our goal is to get everyone in the spirit and give them another reason to get out and be active,” says Miller.
The Quesnel & District Arts & Recreation Centre is also holding its swim for Good Cheer on Dec. 17 from 1 to 4 p.m. Like the Reason 2 Run event, all you have to do is bring in some donation items and the pool is yours to enjoy.
“Last year we had well over 100 items donated, between the community and the staff,” says City of Quesnel recreation coordinator Tarin Lefebvre.
The event has happened every year for the past three years, and took place on and off for years before that, she says. The Rec Centre is hoping to beat last year’s donations with the Sunday swim event.
There is a skate for Good Cheer at West Fraser Centre, hosted by the Rec Centre this weekend, on Dec. 10, 12:30-2:30 p.m.
Admission will be $1 plus a non-perishable food item.
The event also happens every year, with many attendees and lots of donations for the charity.
Organizer Lori Smetaniuk says both the $1 entry fee as well as the non-perishable items go directly to Good Cheer to support their work.
These activities are sure to get your heart pumping – but even if you don’t break a sweat, your heart will beat a little faster knowing you are helping those in need this Christmas.