MSC Trail Walk and Run on June 8

Jen Olcsvary, fundraising and community engagement coordinator with the Multi-Service Centre, laces up her shoes in preparation for pre-event training prior to the annual Trail Walk and Run. The event will take place on Sunday, June 8 in Coronation Park. (Jeff Helsdon Photo)

Jeff Helsdon, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

Lace up your shoes for the Multi-Service Centre’s (MSC) Trail Walk and Run on Sunday, June 8.

The 12th annual event will be returning to its roots by going back to the location it started at 12 years ago in Coronation Park. The event was held last year in Memorial Park.

“We had to move it while the area (in Memorial Park) was under construction,” said MSC executive director Kathryn Leatherland. “We’re thrilled to be back there.”

There is a family emphasis on the event, with three generations of several families regularly participating. Participants can choose between 2.5 km or 5-km routes. For the youth, there are bouncy castles and face painting after the event. For all participants, there is a barbecue and swag bags, including medals.

“It really is a fun, feel-good event,” Leatherland said. “I’m impressed how many families come together and enjoy the parks and kid’s games.”

Registration will start at 9:30 a.m., and the event will begin at 10:30 a.m.

Participants are asked to register through the centre’s web site at multiservicecentre.com. Cost is $40 per person, with no charge for children under 12. Registration is available that day on site as well.

When online registration is completed, participants will be e-mailed a pledge sheet to gain support. Jen Olcsvary, MSC fundraising and community engagement coordinator, is thrilled that the top fundraiser will receive a $2,000 outdoor wood-burning stove donated by TK Liquidation.

“This year we’re growing it with online fundraising so people can send an e-mail to family and friends,” Olcsvary said. “We’re also doing paper fundraising so people can go out that way.”

She said in the past there have been many different motivations for people participating. Some want to take part of the exercise, while others like to fundraise to assist the MSC with its programs.

The Trail Walk and Run is the MSC’s largest fundraiser of the year. The goal for this year’s event is $20,000. Funds from the event support volunteer recruitment for Meals on Wheels, materials for the literacy program and provide a fee subsidy for the seniors’ programs. Seniors’ programs include foot care, Meals and Wheels and transportation services.

There is a growing need for MSC seniors’ programs.

“We work to keep our fees as low as possible but have to cover our costs,” Leatherland said.

Sponsors are also being sought for the event. Anyone wanting more information can contact Olcsvary at jolcsvary@multiservicecentre.com.