JOY IN ACTION 2027 — FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

1. What is Joy in Action?

Joy in Action brings people together across Manitoba to move with purpose and make a meaningful difference.

By running, walking, riding, fundraising or volunteering, participants help bring communities together, build awareness of human trafficking and inspire others to get involved.

Together, every action helps strengthen prevention efforts and support survivors through the work of The Joy Smith Foundation.

2. When does the Joy in Action Fundraising Challenge take place?

The Joy in Action Fundraising Challenge runs from April 1 to October 1, 2027.

Participants can fundraise individually or as part of a team throughout the challenge period, earn fundraising rewards and compete for fundraising prizes.

3. What are the official Joy in Action events in 2027?

Joy in Action 2027 includes the Beaches Joy Ride cycling event and the three-event Joy in Action Run Series.

Beaches Joy Ride — Cycling Event
Saturday, June 26, 2027 • 9:30 AM
Victoria Beach, Manitoba

Steinbach — Joy in Action Run Series
Saturday, July 24, 2027 • 9:30 AM
5K & 10K Run/Walk

Selkirk — Joy in Action Run Series
Saturday, August 28, 2027 • 9:30 AM
5K & 10K Run/Walk

Brandon — Joy in Action Run Series
Saturday, September 11, 2027 • 9:30 AM
5K & 10K Run/Walk

4. What is the Joy in Action Run Series?

The Joy in Action Run Series consists of three 5K and 10K run/walk events in Steinbach, Selkirk and Brandon.

Participants can choose the 5K or 10K and take part competitively or at their own pace. Register for one community or challenge yourself to participate in more than one.

Every step makes a difference.

5. What is the Beaches Joy Ride?

The Beaches Joy Ride is a scenic, non-competitive cycling event through Manitoba's beautiful East Beaches.

There is one cycling event registration. Riders can complete the full route to Grand Marais or turn around at Belair for a shorter ride, giving you the flexibility to decide how far you'd like to ride.

The Beaches Joy Ride is not a race. Participants ride on public roads and must follow Manitoba traffic laws and the rules of the road.

6. What is the difference between the timed and fun run/walk?

The timed 5K and 10K are for participants who want an official finish time and a competitive race experience. All timed participants receive a finisher medal.

The fun 5K and 10K run/walk offer a relaxed, untimed experience. Run, walk or combine the two and enjoy the course at your own pace.

Both options are designed to bring people together and put some JOY into getting active.

7. What are JOY Stations?

JOY Stations are optional, interactive areas along our run/walk courses that add extra fun and encouragement to the Joy in Action experience.

Expect cheering, music, playful activities and plenty of JOY along the way. Participation is always optional and suitable for all ages.

8. Are there awards and finisher medals?

Yes!

All timed 5K and 10K participants receive a finisher medal when they cross the finish line.

Timed events will also recognize top performances with awards.

2027 award categories and prize details to be announced.

9. Do I receive a shirt when I register?

Yes! Paid participants in official Joy in Action events receive a premium technical Joy in Action event shirt, while supplies last.

Late registrations are not guaranteed a shirt.

Free registrations for children 12 and under do not include a shirt.

10. Do I have to fundraise to participate?

No. Fundraising is encouraged, but not required to participate.

Everyone is welcome to run, walk or ride with us whether or not they choose to fundraise.

Participants who fundraise can earn fundraising rewards and compete in the Joy in Action Fundraising Challenge.

11. How does the fundraising competition work?

When you register, you can create your own Joy in Action fundraising page and raise funds individually or as part of a team.

Set a goal, share your page with friends, family and your community, and follow the fundraising leaderboard throughout the challenge.

The Fundraising Challenge runs from April 1 through October 1, 2027.

12. What fundraising incentives can I earn?

Fundraisers can earn special Joy in Action rewards as they reach fundraising milestones.

2027 fundraising rewards and milestone levels to be announced.

Rewards are earned by each individual fundraiser, including participants who are fundraising as part of a team.

13. Are there grand prizes for the Fundraising Challenge?

Yes! Joy in Action recognizes our leading fundraisers at the end of the challenge.

2027 grand prizes and prize categories to be announced.

Fundraising totals accumulated during the official April 1–October 1, 2027 challenge period determine the winners.

14. What does my fundraising support?

Funds raised through Joy in Action support The Joy Smith Foundation's work addressing human trafficking in Canada, including prevention education, awareness initiatives and survivor-focused programs.

Every fundraiser helps expand the impact of Joy in Action beyond event day.

15. How do I collect donations?

Participants can collect donations through:

1. Their personal Joy in Action online fundraising page; or

2. Official offline donation forms.

Online fundraising makes it easy to share your campaign and keep track of your progress toward your goal.

16. Do entry fees count as donations?

No. Registration fees are not charitable donations.

Donations made through the Joy in Action fundraising platform may be eligible for a charitable tax receipt.

17. Will donors receive a charitable tax receipt?

Yes. Eligible donations of $20 or more receive a charitable donation tax receipt from The Joy Smith Foundation.

18. Can I participate as part of a team?

Yes! You can participate and fundraise individually or as part of a team.

Teams are a great way for families, friends, workplaces, schools and community groups to get involved and take action together.

19. Can children and youth participate?

Yes!

Children can participate in Joy in Action running and walking events.

Children 12 and under may participate for free when accompanied by a registered adult. Free registrations do not include an event shirt.

Youth ages 13–18 receive a $10 discount on registration.

For the Beaches Joy Ride, cyclists must be at least 12 years old to participate.

20. What if I can't attend an in-person event?

You can still be part of Joy in Action!

The Joy in Action Virtual Fundraising Challenge allows participants across Canada to run, walk or cycle wherever they are while fundraising for The Joy Smith Foundation.

Virtual participants can set their own activity goals, create a fundraising page, earn fundraising incentives and compete for fundraising prizes throughout the April 1–October 1 challenge period.

2027 virtual registration details coming soon.

21. How much does it cost to register?

Registration fees vary between the Joy in Action Run Series, Beaches Joy Ride and Virtual Fundraising Challenge.

2027 registration pricing to be announced.

Youth and child registration discounts apply to our in-person run/walk events as outlined above.

22. Are registrations refundable or transferable?

Registration fees are non-refundable and non-transferable.

23. How will I receive updates and event information?

Registered participants will receive email updates with important information, including event-day schedules, package pickup information and final participant instructions.

Event details, schedules and updates will also be posted on the Joy in Action website and individual event registration pages.

24. How can I get involved if I don't want to run, walk or ride?

There are lots of ways to put your joy into action!

You can volunteer, fundraise, join a team, sponsor an event, donate or help spread awareness in your community.

Joy in Action is about more than crossing a finish line. It's about people and communities choosing to take action together.

25. Where can I Find Route Maps and Information?

Check out our information page here: https://raceroster.com/events/2027/141373/joy-in-action/page/route-information-and-maps