Shirley Hunt, 2022
Nature has always been my “happy place.” I was introduced to trail running soon after my children were born and I quickly discovered how good I felt following a run through the forest. I wanted to share that feeling with others, especially people having a hard time with their mental health. I knew, from people in my own life, how hard it could be to get out the door when you’re not feeling well, let alone get out of bed sometimes.
My curiosity regarding the connections between nature and health led to a passion for reading anything and everything I could find about the topic. The more I read, the more it became clear that our increasingly indoor, sedentary culture was negatively impacting our health and wellbeing. That research led to my co-founding of Focus on Nature, an outdoor photography program for kids, and ultimately to the development and launch of Up and Running Guelph in 2016.
As co-founder of Up and Running Guelph, I have worn many hats for our organization over the last 6 years. As I look back, I will always cherish the time I have spent getting to know participants and seeing how transformative the combination of exercise, nature, and social connections can be.
I will never forget joining a program participant, dressed in a full Santa costume, for the annual Santa Claus Parade Run back in 2016. This was a big day for us both. I was overwhelmed with joy as I ran alongside this amazing woman and joined her in crossing her first ever finish line! The energy and cheering from the crowds paled in comparison to the moment she spotted her family and cried tears of joy. She shared that she never had imagined she would run, let alone finish a running event, with crowds of people watching! It was at that moment, I knew just how life changing our programs were.
Winter Up and Running Guelph Program (Credit: Dean Palmer)
Since that memorable run back in 2016, Up and Running Guelph has expanded and adapted in response to the growing demands of our community. The complexity and severity of mental health needs coming out of the pandemic has required innovative, community-based responses that can offer informal support to complement more formal mental health supports. More people are coming to us feeling isolated, looking for a safe, non-judgemental space that supports them to not only get active for their mental health, but to connect with others and be part of a community. Thanks to the commitment of an ever expanding group of skilled, passionate, and giving individuals, Up and Running Guelph has risen to meet that demand.
I am grateful for all the people who have been involved with Up and Running Guelph over the years and have worked tirelessly to move us towards our vision of sharing the joy of movement in nature with everyone. Together we have accomplished so much in such a short time. What began as a single running program, led by four volunteers to 12 participants, has grown to four programs delivered by over 50 volunteers that have served over 700 women. And we are just getting started!
Annie Benko, 2022
It is with great pleasure and excitement that I announce the appointment of Annie Benko as our new Chair of the Board. Annie brings a wealth of knowledge and skills to this position, including stellar facilitation and communication skills, and big picture thinking that is so critical to chairing the Board of a charitable organization. There is no doubt that with Annie leading Up and Running Guelph’s Board, our organization will have an even stronger foundation from which to do its amazing work in the community and grow and deepen its impact.
