Stride for Shelter

Stride for Shelter is an inaugural, community-led peer-to-peer fundraising event designed to raise funds and awareness for youth experiencing homelessness in Stratford. Stride for Shelter is proud to partner with Shelterlink Youth Services, Perth County’s local organization dedicated to supporting youth experiencing homelessness and at risk of homelessness. As the beneficiary of the event, Shelterlink will receive all funds raised to support its emergency shelter and prevention services for vulnerable youth in the community.

During this 24-hour overnight community challenge participants will come together at Stratford Education and Recreation Centre (SERC) on November 21st to run, walk, or support a track loop every hour on the hour for 24 hours. With the support of Mayor Martin Ritsma, Stride for Shelter aims to raise awareness of youth homelessness while generating direct, measurable impact.

In the event’s inaugural year, our fundraising goal is $35,000 in celebration of Shelterlink’s 35th Anniversary. This is more than a run, it’s a community moving for youth who need us.

Stride for Shelter is a unique, community-driven endurance event designed to bring awareness and action to youth homelessness in Stratford. Over 24 hours, participants commit to running (or walking) a loop each hour, creating a powerful shared experience of solidarity, resilience, and community support. While having a glimpse of the experience of an unhoused youth overnight in the cold.

Join the movement. Every loop makes a difference