5ish Fun Run great for community

Hey there, time traveller!
This article was published 11/03/2014 (4378 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

After such a cold winter, it can be hard to think about running down Wolseley Avenue in shorts and T-shirts, enjoying the summer heat.

But on June 1, that’s exactly what many of us will be doing as part of West Broadway Youth Outreach’s 4th Annual 5ish Fun Run.

The West Broadway Youth Outreach (WBYO) is a local organization that works with kids to help them develop the skills they need for a successful future. WBYO helps many families who face difficulties, such as poverty and unemployment. Helping with homework, improving reading and writing skills, learning yoga, or jamming with musical instruments are some of the opportunities made possible through WBYO. Providing a support system that focuses on a child’s potential instead of their limits means children can grow into confident young adults.  

In 2010, WBYO developed the Dreams Career Mentorship Program, which pairs WBYO youth with mentors working in the child’s dream career. Over the course of the program, youth have met with marine biologists, midwives, photographers, judges and engineers. Mentors get kids excited about their future, and show them that achieving their dream careers is possible.

“A great number of Homework Club participants have gone onto highly successful careers in a wide variety of professions, ranging from firefighters to teachers,” says WBYO’s Director Ken Opaleke. “We have had two doctors, and three students currently in medical school, attend our program, two of whom tutor in the same homework program they themselves attended as children.”

The 5ish Fun Run is the WBYO’s premier fundraiser, and it’s already into its fourth year. If you’re in Wolseley in June, I’m sure you’ve seen your friends or neighbours running down Wolseley Avenue in bright yellow T-shirts in support of the WBYO. It’s hard to miss the energy this run brings to our community, especially because it’s open to all ages and fitness levels — even dogs and strollers! This year, the 5ish Fun Run is now offering family registrations and corporate team registrations. Register for the 5ish Fun Run before May 6 for the early bird discount!

If you’d like to know more about WBYO or the 5ish Fun Run, you can give my office a call at 204-775-8575 or send me an email at Rob.Altemeyer@YourManitoba.ca

Learn more about the work WBYO does for our community, register for the 5ish Fun Run at 5ishfunrun.com, or sign up to be a volunteer online at
www.westbroadwayyouthoutreach.com