ATRC members Jenn Collins (Vybe Realty), Nancy Hildebrand, Mike Thomas with Archway Food Security Manager Rebecca Thuro, Ryan Shephard, and Gavin Dew from Abbotsford Tech District
The Abbotsford Trail Running Club (ATRC) raised $10,000 for the Archway Food Bank through their Climb for Community fundraiser.
77 participants made a donation and climbed a collective 171,510 meters between April 15 – 21st. The Abbotsford Tech District, Tyee Windows, Vybe Realty, Lululemon, and The Supplement House pledged $1 for every 25 meters that was walked, hiked, biked or ran.
Mike Thomas, President of the ATRC and Operations Manager at Tyee Windows first proposed the idea and helped bring on the supporting companies.
“Our aim was to organize an event that would unite the community and contribute positively to those in need. With the rising cost of living, many in our community face challenges in securing basic necessities like food. The services provided by the Archway Food Bank are in high demand and resources are becoming increasingly scarce. Through this fundraiser, we hoped to bolster Archway Food Bank’s efforts and bring about meaningful change within our community.”
“We’re blown away by the generosity of the participants and sponsors,” said Rebecca Thuro, Food Security Manager at the Archway Food Bank. “These funds will help ensure thousands of adults and children have access to nutritious food each month.”
The top runner Matt Parr climbed 12,504 meters during the fundraiser week and shared that “it was a great opportunity to help the community! It’s amazing what the group was able to achieve!”
Nicolle Yong, the first female and second overall with 8,974 meters said, “every day is a new day to challenge yourself, don’t just exist, live life to the fullest and push your limits.”
Parr and Yong received Lululemon shoes as their prize for most meters climbed. All participants were entered to win draw prizes from Garrison Running Co and The Supplement House.
“We love supporting trails and food security, so this fundraiser was the perfect fit,” said Abbotsford Tech District Chief Strategy Officer, Gavin Dew.
“Vybe Realty has proudly supported Archway Foodbank for the last 10 years through the Christmas Neighbour program and were honored to partner with the Abbotsford Trail Running Club to further support such a worthy cause,” said Jenn Collins, on behalf of her team at Vybe Realty.
Established in 2016, the Abbotsford Trail Running Club strives to follow its mission statement, “To promote fitness and community through trail running and to advocate for our local nature trails.” They organize free social trail runs, trail running clinics, fun community events and support local charities.
“Our aim was to organize an event that would unite the community and contribute positively to those in need. With the rising cost of living, many in our community face challenges in securing basic necessities like food.”
Want To Donate?
Help provide access to fresh food, pantry staples, and household essentials
“We’re blown away by the generosity of the participants and sponsors. These funds will help ensure thousands of adults and children have access to nutritious food each month.”