On Saturday, Feb. 19, New Westminsterite Vanessa Woznow is running her “New West Neighbourhood Run” in support of New West Family Place.
The run – a half-marathon at 21.1 kilometres – takes her through every New Westminster neighbourhood, beginning in the Brow of the Hill and ending at City Hall in Queen’s Park.
“I first ran this route four years ago for my birthday because I wanted to do something fun to celebrate,” says Woznow. “This past New Year’s, I was getting down reading about all of the negative things going on in the world and I decided it was the perfect time to bring back the run – and this time, fundraise for an important organization close to my heart.”
New Westminster Family Place is a local non-profit that welcomes all families, supporting them with services and resources that empower them to thrive. Woznow’s goal is to raise $1,000 for its programs – programs that she found invaluable during her first year of motherhood.
“No matter where you are in your parenthood journey, New West Family Place is there for you,” says Woznow. “One time, I had signed up for a virtual play-date with one of their early childhood educators but my daughter had fallen asleep by the time we had our meeting. I just attended by myself. It was able to both talk frankly about my anxieties and learn some fun finger puppet games to play with my daughter.”
Thanks to some generous social media followers, Woznow has already surpassed her $1,000 goal and will be stretching it, hoping to double it by the weekend.
“This run combines two of my favourite things – moving my body outside and raising money and awareness for important community supports in the city I’m lucky enough to call home,” she said. “Plus, what better time of year to do it than the Family Day long weekend?”
Running was important for Woznow before the birth of her daughter and she now enjoys taking her out on stroller runs all around the city. She doesn't have a favourite neighbourhood and stresses that each community has its own set of advantages and challenges.
“New Westminster is a beautiful, brutal and fantastic training partner,” says Woznow. “No matter where you run, you’ll always be prepared with these hills.”
Anyone wishing to support her run can make a donation to her run here: https://www.canadahelps.org/en/pages/2nd-annual-new-west-neighbourhood-run-for-new-west/
