One stride at a time: How our running club raises funds for food banks

The Vsquare Running Club is starting up again this year with a new objective: to raise money for the Quebec Food Banks.

All donations are donated to support people in need.

Our weekly running club combines friendly training, team spirit and charity work. Whether you'd like to take up running, improve your performance or contribute to a good cause, don't hesitate to join us!

In a society where food insecurity persists, it's our duty to come together and provide assistance to those who need it most. Joining our club allows you to make a real difference while pursuing your passion for running.

The running club

The Running Club is a weekly running club organized by Vsquare Fitness. We welcome runners of all levels, from beginners to experienced athletes. Our main objective is to support the Quebec Food Banks by encouraging voluntary donations from our club members. Each running session offers an opportunity for participants to contribute to this worthy cause.

Making a Difference in the Fight Against Hunger

Food insecurity is a critical issue affecting many individuals and families. By participating in the Club de course, you contribute directly to the fight against hunger. Donations collected during each running session are entirely dedicated to supporting Quebec food banks. Whether it's a small cash donation or an online contribution, every dollar counts and is greatly appreciated.

What are Quebec food banks?

Les Banques Alimentaires du Québec is a non-profit organization made up of 32 independent regional members, including Moisson Montréal, who distribute food to over 1,000 community organizations such as soup kitchens, food assistance centers and collective kitchens in every region of Quebec. Why did you choose Les Banques Alimentaires du Québec? Simply because we're often confronted with the needs of people in Montreal, but the needs are just as great outside the city. Many of our team members grew up outside the city, and it's important for us to give back in the regions too.

Needs are growing. COVID-19 and inflation have exacerbated food insecurity. Food banks have seen a marked increase of over 20% in demand for their services in the past year. The network responds to 2.2M requests per month. 😱 Details can be found in their latest annual report here

Our goal is to raise funds and food to help food banks meet the growing needs in our communities. Your support will enable us to make a positive impact and help the most vulnerable.

Training sessions

Workouts can vary from week to week. Of course, they always begin with a warm-up. This phase prepares the body for exercise and helps prevent injury. We use mobility exercises and running drills.

We alternate between moderate paces and short bursts of acceleration. This helps build endurance and speed. Members run together at a common pace. They encourage each other during the effort.

After 45-60 minutes of running, the workout ends with a cool-down to facilitate muscle recovery. This is also the time to discuss the session and make a date for the next training session!

The benefits of running

Running is excellent for both physical and mental health. It improves cardiovascular fitness, strengthens muscles and bones, and helps control weight. It also releases endorphins, which improve mood and reduce stress.

Regular running helps:

  • Improve cardiorespiratory capacity and heart health

  • Strengthen leg, buttock, back and stomach muscles

  • Stimulate bone density and prevent osteoporosis

  • Burn calories and maintain a healthy weight

  • Reduce the risk of diseases such as diabetes, heart disease and certain cancers

  • Reduce blood pressure and cholesterol levels

  • Increase release of mood-enhancing endorphins

  • Reduce stress, anxiety and depression

  • Improve sleep quality

  • Boosting self-confidence and self-esteem

In short, making running part of your routine can improve your physical condition, health and mental well-being. It's an excellent habit to get into.

the spirit of community

Cohesion and mutual support are paramount within our group of riders. We encourage a positive team spirit and an atmosphere of mutual support.

Running in a group can sometimes be intimidating, especially for beginners. That's why we emphasize caring and inclusion. We make sure that everyone feels welcome, whatever their level. Coaches and experienced runners are on hand to advise and motivate newcomers.

By helping and motivating each other, everyone can make progress and achieve their personal goals. We share our advice, encourage each other in difficult moments and congratulate each other on our successes. This positive state of mind makes training more enjoyable for everyone.

In short, the cohesion of our group is essential to the success of our common goals. Team spirit enables us to move forward together towards our charitable challenges.

Ready to join us?

Are you passionate about running? Join our club and combine your love of the sport with a meaningful cause. We meet every Wednesday lunchtime at Vsquare Fitness, located at 360 rue St-Jacques in Montreal. By becoming a member of the club, you have the opportunity to connect with like-minded running enthusiasts and make a real difference.

Signing up for the Running Club is easy. Visit our website and click on the Events section or go directly to Mindbody. We'll provide you with all the information you need and keep you informed of future race sessions and events.

Club Schedule and Contact Information

Our running sessions take place every Wednesday at noon at Vsquare Fitness. If you have any questions or need more information, please don't hesitate to contact us. You can contact us by e-mail at info@vsquarefit.com or by phone at 438-384-6669. We're more than happy to help and provide any clarification you may need.

Conclusion

By joining the Running Club at Vsquare Fitness, you're part of a collective effort to combat food insecurity in Quebec. Every donation and every step taken during our running sessions helps improve the lives of individuals and families in need. Together, as runners, we can make a significant contribution in the fight against food insecurity.

You can also support our fundraising for food banks, even without running with us. We accept online donations at any time here. During our charity runs, we also encourage donations of non-perishable foodstuffs directly on site.

Every donation, large or small, makes a real difference in the fight against food insecurity. Thank you for considering a donation to support food banks in your area. Together, we can feed those in need.

Act now! Visit our events section to find out more about the Running Club and register. Put on your running shoes, join our club and help us support Quebec's food banks.

Previous
Previous

Wellness break: how to choose the right yoga retreat

Next
Next

Opening up to the present moment with mindfulness