Daily run makes a difference

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This article was published 31/05/2021 (1739 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

Maria Cefali is combining her passion for running with her passion for helping others.

Cefali is about to wrap up 5K Every Day in May, a fundraising event she created in support of Sleep in Heavenly Peace Winnipeg. The charity builds and delivers handmade beds to local children.

Cefali has run 5 km each day this month in the hopes of raising $5,000 — enough to make 14 beds for 14 Winnipeg children who are currently sleeping on the floor.

The 44-year-old River Heights resident, who describes herself as a fair weather runner, came up with the challenge in part to get back into her outdoor running routine now that winter is over.

“The accountability of the fundraiser has forced me to run, but also to get outside and explore new neighbourhoods,” she says.

Cefali lost her job in the hospitality industry when the pandemic hit Manitoba last year. When she found out about SHP Winnipeg, the thought of doing something to help children — while using the skills she’s acquired through her background in marketing and communications — appealed to her.

She started volunteering as SHP Winnipeg’s director of communications and donor relations in May 2020.

Volunteering with SHP Winnipeg put things in perspective for Cefali during her unemployment. It also allowed her to meet new people and make new friends.

“I didn’t want to feel sorry for myself, so I wanted to make sure I was giving back,” she says. “It’s been absolutely magical, it really has been.”

Cefali has run a different route in a different neighbourhood every day, allowing her to be a tourist in her hometown. She’s documented the various parks and attractions she’s visited on SHP Winnipeg’s Facebook page.

Perhaps most importantly, the fundraiser has allowed her to raise awareness about the fact that there are children in Winnipeg without beds to sleep on.

“This is why I’m doing it,” she says. “I want people to know, and if they are impacted by it, I want them to help SHP and make a donation.”

SHP Winnipeg president Jim Thiessen is thankful to Cefali for doing the fundraiser.

“Maria’s project is incredible,” he says. “It’s an amazing act of generosity on her part.”

He recalls being impressed with Cefali when they met for the first time last year.

“I instantly got the impression that this was (someone) who was all about giving back to the community and trying to make a difference,” he says.

SHP Winnipeg has built 230 beds since it started in January 2020, 100 of which have been installed. The beds are distributed along with brand new mattresses and bedding to children between the ages of three and 17.

In recent months, public health restrictions have slowed the non-profit’s progress. SHP Winnipeg is planning to get back to distributing beds, and holding public build events to make more beds, once restrictions are eased.

Anyone interested can contribute to Cefali’s fundraiser at https://gofund.me/4f4f099a.

A new bed for a child is more than just a piece of furniture, according to Cefali. It gives the child a sense of self-worth and dignity, and communicates to them that they are worthy of having a space of their own to relax and rest.

Every dollar raised will be spent in Winnipeg, and Cefali encourages donations of all sizes.

“Don’t think it’s a small donation,” she says. “It’s an incredible donation.”

If you know a special volunteer, please contact aaron.epp@gmail.com