I'm running (again!) in this years Ottawa Race Weekend to raise money for EcoEquitable. Over the last 3 years I've witnessed firsthand the difference Eco makes in the lives of many individuals and the deep sense of community it brings. I'm surrounded daily by women overcoming challenges, starting new chapters, and relentlessly pursuing their passions. This inspires me to push myself as well and do hard things. So, why not run a half marathon? LET'S GO!

A bit about us:

EcoEquitable was founded in 2002 by Lucile Champagne, a French Catholic nun, a trained psychotherapist, and the first female chaplain of Saint Paul University.

In the early 2000s, she realized that her office in the basement of the Bronson Centre had some extra space. That just wouldn’t do for Lucile, so she helped begin a women’s support group that could use the room as needed. After a donation of used sewing machines and with a play coming up, it seemed natural for the group to offer to sew the costumes for the production. As the women worked together — shoulder to shoulder, not face to face — Lucile noticed that working together towards a common goal gave the women a renewed sense of meaning and purpose. On top of that, they were talking. They were talking about child care and immigration status and social assistance and many other things — they were talking about the real issues that were directly affecting their lives. They were talking openly about these problems that are usually so difficult to discuss. Work created a safe space for these women.

The principles that Lucile lived her life by are the same values she embedded within EcoEquitable. She was relentlessly inclusive and compassionate. Today, Lucile's legacy continues in the stories of women who have experienced and advanced through EcoEquitable's programs.