Friends & Colleagues:
Today is an exciting day for Manitobans as we partner with the Shopper's Drug Mart Women's Foundation and the epic Run for Women event that takes place on Saturday June 8, 2024!
February I spent committing to our national #pushupchallenge. We raised a staggering $80K plus with CMHAs Across Manitoba and over $2.5M across Canada. My arms have recovered, and now it is time to get my legs moving.
This is our inaugural year with the Run for Women. In its 10 year history, it has had phenomenal success with18 participating Canadian cities raising millions of much needed dollars for women's health research and initiatives. SDM Run for Women places a special focus on Women's Mental Health.
I have encouraged my colleagues of CMHAs Across Manitoba to participate in this 5K run and we have a great team that continues to grow.
So here is my pitch to donate so I can reach my individual and team goal.
This next part is a little more personal. The Journey of the "COVID 37"
This is a special year for me as I celebrate a half century in this world. The month of February was the start of my 50 by 50 Challenge.
At the start of COVID, my commitment to a lifestyle of fitness and nutrition took a back seat. After 1.5 years of COVID living, the result was my “COVID 20”. At the start of 2021, I committed myself to fitness and lost the COVID 20, in three months. In the fall of 2022, I lost my brother Alvin, and grief paralyzed my motivation for healthy living. Soon after my brother’s death my father-in-law was diagnosed with Stage 4 prostate cancer. February 27, 2024, marked the one-year anniversary of Manny’s charismatic life ending. The reality is my COVID 20 has a new name – COVID 34.
In my quest for better physical health, mental health, spiritual health and onward, February 1st seemed to be the best time to start!. I'm happy to report that I have had some success! 7 more months to go until the 50!
I'm excited to be joining thousands of walkers and runners across Canada in the Shoppers Drug Mart® Run for Women, raising help for women’s mental health programs at Canadian Mental Health Association Manitoba and Winnipeg
I am sending this correspondence to just over 1,000 individuals from all over the world, with the hope that many will consider a $5, $10, $20 donation and others $50, $100, $500.
With Gratitude,
Stephen
Husband, son, brother, friend neighbour &
Fund Development Manager at CMHA Manitoba and Winnipeg