Run for Change in the Sault supports mental health

The rain and clouds were no match for more than 100 participants in this year's Run for Change, who laced up their running shoes in support of mental health and addictions awareness.

The latest 5K run was the 6th annual for the community. The event was founded by Strong Minds, a Sault-based mental health service.

CEO Amanda Lambert also functions as the run coordinator. She said events like this have never been more important.

“When one person is affected by mental health it does impact everybody, especially within a family system or community system, as well,” Lambert said.

This year marked the first run post-pandemic, where runners were able to gather en masse.

First-time participant Michael Skinner was glad to be around dozens of fellow runners, who all gathered for a good cause.

“At least for me, the exercise is great for my mental health. I really like the social aspect of exercising as a group," Skinner said.

Participants like Joey Bruni, who runs every year, said it’s a testament to how much mental health supports mean to those in the Sault.

“Obviously a lot of people go through mental issues and stuff like that,” said Bruni.

“To see everyone come together as community once a year because of Amanda and Strong Minds, it’s a really nice thing to see.”

This year Lambert invited organizations that provide mental health services for the first time. Nogdawindamin Family and Community Services was one of them.

Communications manager Jonathan Boyer-Nolan said the event gave them the chance to teach others about the work they do.

Boyer-Nolan added that those they spoke with seemed eager to learn about the services Nogdawindamin provides.

“It makes me feel like there’s a lot of good hope, a lot of good change, and a lot of good momentum and inspiration in the community to get us all on the same page,” he said.

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Lambert echoed the sentiment.

“We are going through a mental health pandemic and it’s really important that we are able to have resources for our community members,” she said.

Run for Change also serves as a fundraiser, with money raised going to a number of organizations focusing on mental health throughout the year.

A total dollar amount for this year has yet to be calculated, but to date, the 5K has raised more than $16,000.