This year, I’m taking on a personal challenge: running my first half-marathon (21.1 km) at the Tamarack Ottawa Race Weekend on May 23, 2026.

But I don’t want this run to be just about finishing a race. I want every kilometer to make a difference.

A few years ago, I volunteered at the Lowertown Community Centre food bank in Ottawa. That experience stayed with me. I saw how important food banks are for families in our city especially now, when so many people are struggling with the rising cost of living.

Today in Ottawa, 1 in 4 households struggles to afford enough food. Last year alone, the Ottawa Food Bank network saw over 556,000 visits, and 37% of those supported were children and youth under 18.

So I’ve decided to run 21.1 km for the Ottawa Food Bank.

My goal is simple:

$10 for every kilometer I run.

That means I’m hoping to raise $211 to help provide nutritious food to families who need it most.

Every donation, even $5 or $10 can help make sure someone in our community has access to a meal.

Training for this race has taken months of effort, but families facing food insecurity face this challenge every single day.

If you’re able to support, donate, or simply share this post, it would mean a lot. Together we can turn every step into real support for our community.

Thank you ❤️