Pick Up the Pace 2022 Report
On September 25, we held our 3rd annual Pick Up the Pace fundraiser, which was presented by the Co-operators, Brad Barbour Insurance Group. This year we teamed up with the Country Rumble Cycling and Live Music Festival and hosted our first ever in-person event at Thatcher Farms.
The morning rain did nothing to dampen the spirit of 150+ attendees, including 76 participants who registered to walk, run or ride for mental health. There were farm games for the kids, karate demos, outdoor portraits, delicious food and drinks, and a silent auction. The afternoon sunshine and beautiful venue were an added bonus for everyone to enjoy the sweet sounds of local musicians including The Royal City Ukulele Ensemble, Crop Circles, Michelle Munroe, Apricity, Mr. J Children’s Musician, Kathleen Kovacs, and the Grand River Band.
The event raised a net amount of $25,591! These funds will help us expand our programs, broaden our reach, and develop new partnerships so that more people can experience the mental health benefits of nature-based exercise.
Our vision to create a large event that celebrated nature-based movement while highlighting local treasures was a bold move for our first in-person event. As an organization, we are both humbled and overjoyed by the encouragement we received from members of our community every step of the way. Pick up the Pace - Country Rumble, presented by the Co-operators, Brad Barbour Insurance Group, was made possible by the generous support of our sponsors, community partners, volunteers and event attendees.
Thank you to everyone involved, and we look forward to seeing you again next year!
