Team DDRC and our supporters had a wonderful time at the 50th annual Calgary Marathon this year! Don’t forget that it’s not too late to sponsor our team … donations can be made until June 30th by clicking here. 
Why are people joining Team DDRC?
It can be hard to find motivation on Mondays. That’s why, for the past three months, the DDRC Fundraising Committee has been publishing weekly “Motivation Monday” videos on the agency’s intranet site, featuring short interviews with individuals who will be participating in the 2014 Calgary Marathon Charity Challenge with Team DDRC. However, we don’t want to keep all of this inspiration to ourselves — we’ve decided to share it with you!
Here’s what past and present Team DDRC supporters are saying about the event:
“I d
id my very first 5K [last year]. It was amazing! Actually the whole experience was amazing – the race, the team spirit, the cause. Turns out I actually like running, so I’ve continued running and it’s been a very good thing.”
– Alex Gonzalez, Graphics Creator & IT Support
“I think everyone should participate because it supports the agency and what we do. That’s why we’re all here, we love the DDRC!”
–Marg Tomlin, IT Manager
“Even if you’re just walking the 5K, crossing that finish line feels great. There’s a lot of people, and a lot of screaming, and it’s a big energy rush finishing!”
–Brooklyn Bruce, DDRC Disability Services Support
“Anyone can do it — even if you’re nervous or scared! It’s not about being the fastest person there or doing the greatest distance. It’s just about getting together and supporting the DDRC. It’s really fun! And if you’re not comfortable participating in one of the races, sponsoring an athlete is a great way to be a part of Team DDRC!”
–Caitlin Brown, Communications and Development Coordinator
“It was great watching everybody run across the finish line, and even the ones that walked across!”
–Carole Mulgrew, DDRC Receptionist
“It was a lot of fun! It was a great group of people and the weather was awesome. It was a really fun day! Do it for yourself and for your own enjoyment.”
–Kate Kerr, Director of Communications and Development
“It’s a lot of fu
n and it’s for a great cause!”
–Cassandra Therens, Northeast Team Leader
“It was great to go out and cheer on the rest of the DDRC members. When I first started [training for the 5K in 2013] I wasn’t a runner, and I’m still not a runner. You just have to go at your own pace. If you need to run and walk, or even just walk, do what you’re comfortable with and just have fun with it.”
–Kara Garner-Welsh, Volunteer and Development Manager
To register for the Scotiabank Calgary Marathon, click here
Not able to run or walk on June 1st? Come cheer us on at the Stampede Grounds!
Want to sponsor one of our great athletes? Visit our team page.
Life in the Fast Lane
Life in the fast lane is exactly how you could describe the busy schedule of South Team and ILS client Leonka Kaluha. We caught up with Leonka in between activities at the YMCA to talk to her about the upcoming Scotiabank Calgary Marathon Charity Challenge, her supportive roommate Marilyn Ritchie, and everything in between.
One of Leonka’s most recent conquests was the Freezin’ for a Reason Polar Plunge. Leonka explained the plunge saying, “The firefighter cuts a hole in the ice, and you jump in. All the money raised goes towards Special Olympics.” And afterwards? “Go in the hot tub,” laughs Leonka.
Now that the Plunge has passed, Leonka is setting her sights on the three upcoming runs she has signed up for: a Mother’s Day Run & Walk, the 2014 Calgary Transplant Trot in memory of a friend she lost to a double lung transplant, and the 5K portion of the 2014 Scotiabank Calgary Marathon Charity Challenge. The 2013 Charity Challenge marked a great accomplishment for Leonka, as it was her first time running it without a running partner. “I’ve always had a running partner, but last year I didn’t.”
Although Marilyn, Leonka’s supportive roommate, won’t be joining her in this year’s 5K she will be cheering from the stands. “She’s a big cheerleader. With Special Olympics 5 pin bowling we went to Nationals in 2010 and they [Marilyn and the other supporters] were called the Rowdy Rebels cause they cheered so loud,” says Leonka.
Besides being a renowned cheerleader, Marilyn is also known for her supportive nature when it comes to Leonka’s interests. “She’s fun to be around. We do fun things; go to movies, go shopping or go to Cross Iron Mills,” Leonka said of Marilyn. One of Leonka’s favourite memories with Marilyn is their trip to Disneyworld for her birthday. “I got a birthday button so all the staff when you walk by them wish you a happy birthday. Push the Talking Trash Can sang happy birthday to me and I got to ride the teacups with the white rabbit from Alice in Wonderland!”
2013 Calgary Scotiabank Marathon Photos
We’ve Hit the Ground Running!
On your marks, get set, go! On Sunday, May 26th, DDRC clients, employees, friends, and family members were off and running as part of the 49th Annual Scotiabank Calgary Marathon. With 19 team members running the five kilometer race, three running the 10k, six in the half marathon, and one full marathon runner, our blue and white DDRC t-shirts could be seen throughout the course (as well as in the stands, thanks to our dedicated cheering crew!)
Each year, Scotiabank Calgary Marathon offers charities the chance to register in the Charity Challenge portion of the event. This means that runners can choose to raise money for a specific cause or organization as a way of giving meaning to their run or walk. This year 76 different charities participated in this great fundraiser, and the DDRC was excited to be one of them!
Our team of 29 runners and walkers have raised a total of $9,665 to date, and are accepting donations until June 18th with the hope of meeting our $10,000 goal. The team consisted of 14 DDRC employees, 4 clients, and 11 friends and family members. The DDRC’s Comprehensive Care Team Leader, Cassandra Therens, even walked the 5k course carrying a life-sized cut-out of Rick Mercer, with the hopes of getting the Canadian celebrity’s attention (we’ll let you know if it worked!).
Team DDRC would like to say an enormous THANK YOU to our 163 generous donors, and is looking forward to participating in the 50th Annual Calgary Marathon next spring … only 367 days to go!
If you would like to sponsor a member of Team DDRC, or to see the team’s fundraising results to date, click here.