A growing trend has made its way to Bonnyville thanks to the Broad Acres Addiction Treatment Centre. On Saturday, Sept. 23,residents can take part in the first-ever Broad Acres Road to Recovery 5K Colour Run.
A growing trend has made its way to Bonnyville thanks to the Broad Acres Addiction Treatment Centre.
On Saturday, Sept. 23,residents can take part in the first-ever Broad Acres Road to Recovery 5K Colour Run. The event is in support of members of the community battling addiction.
Attendees will be able to purchase colour packets and shirts for the run, with proceeds going directly to the centre.
"We're raising money to help us with local people that cannot afford treatment. The run itself is going to take place along the Jessie Lake Trail starting at the Bonnyville Splash Park at 1 p.m.," explained event coordinator Kim Brochu.
While the main attraction is the run, organizers have planned a wide-range of activities to keep participants busy.
"In addition to the run we also have a barbecue, face painting, games, and music to go along with the day," Brochu detailed.
After the run, there will also be live entertainment and the opportunity to try a new sport.
"Renee Malo will be playing her music at 2:30 p.m. while we have the barbecue. Attendees will also get the chance to try their hand at bubble soccer," informed Brochu
The centre has secured a myriad of prizes for the biggest fundraisers. First place will take home a 52-inch TV, second place will win an iPad Mini, and third will receive a $150 cash prize.
The run itself, however, will not come with a prize, as organizers intend to create a non-competitive environment.
Brochu hopes the laid-back nature of the run will entice residents to try something unique at their own pace.
"Residents can walk, it's not a race, and everybody is eligible to participate. I think the colour is just something different and fun. Hopefully people will enjoy that they're all different colours at the end of the day, and they'll have a little fun with it," she said.
Because the cost of providing a bed for a patient is so high, the centre has set some lofty goals when it comes to fundraising. They hope to raise enough money from the event to take in three new patients.
"It's very expensive to get treatment. Just for somebody coming in for alcohol detox, that can cost somewhere upwards of $10,000. If we could bring-in $30,000, we know we'll be able to bring-in at least three people," said Brochu.
If all goes according to plan, the colour run will be just the beginning of their unique fundraiser in Bonnyville.
"There have been similar runs in St. Paul and Cold Lake, but this will be the first for Bonnyville. It's a new trend that's popular and we wanted to make the event fun for everybody," said Brochu. "It's our first time trying this, but we would like to make it a yearly event."
