Program

Every Step Counts is a running program for people experiencing challenges with housing, mental health, addiction and other related issues.  It's positive and innovative, drawing on the wide-reaching and long-lasting benefits of running and teamwork to foster self esteem, confidence, energy and positive growth.

Recruits and community participants meet twice a week at the Downtown Activity Centre. New participants are fitted with gently used running shoes, a few announcements are made, and then group breaks up into smaller groups to accommodate different fitness levels. Once we set out running, most of the groups alternate between walking and running to build up their cardio and endurance.

After 35-40 minutes, we re-group and enjoy yoga-based stretches, followed by delicious and healthy snacks. Guests occasionally visit to give short talks on various topics: hydration, breakfast, ideal running form, etc.

After five sessions, each participant receives an Every Step Counts water bottle. After ten sessions each participant receives a certificate and Every Step Counts technical running T-shirt. After 15 sessions, each participant goes to Frontrunners to be fitted with a pair of brand new running shoes. After 25 sessions, each participant receives two logoed running hats, one for themselves and one to give to someone in their life who has helped to make “every step count.”