Up and Running Guelph

Up and Running is a charitable organization, founded in 2016, that delivers running and walking programs for women who are looking to improve their mental health. Our programs are inclusive and non-competitive with a focus on making it easier for people to take that first step out the door, so that they can experience first-hand the mental health benefits of green exercise. We focus on community building and movement, rather than getting to a certain distance, and welcome all fitness levels. The results are improved mood, increased self-esteem, and enhanced mental health and well-being. To date, our walking and running programs have impacted over 500 participants in our community. To ensure that cost is not a barrier, we reduce or waive our program fee when requested, because we are always looking to remove barriers!

We are fundraising to allow for us to have even more of a positive impact on our community in the coming year through:

• Subsidizing our program fees for those for whom the fees are a barrier to access
• Scaling up our programming capacity to meet the heightened demand for mental health supports
• Enhancing training for our volunteers, and increasing our capacity to recruit and support more volunteers
• Developing new programming and partnerships to broaden our reach to a more diverse audience and additional at-risk populations

Our goal: To improve mental health and well-being through inclusive, nature-based walking and running programs within a supportive community.

Motto: Taking steps together to promote mental well being

#TakingStepsTogether