The Running & Reading Club after-school program is a 32-week companion program to the Backpack Program that effectively addresses the need for enhanced literacy and physical activity among economically challenged children in the communities it services.

The Running & Reading Clubs operate directly within local inner city schools, and run for two hours per week from October to June.  The program takes children on an “adventure” that improves their physical, mental, emotional and social health, fostering discipline, goal-setting and literacy.  These are all areas that statistics have continually shown to be lacking amongst high needs elementary-aged children.

Each week, children build their strength and endurance through running and fitness activities, receive individualized assistance in both reading and writing, and are given a balanced, energy-filled snack.  The program culminates in our Start2Finish 5 Km Running & Reading Challenge and an awards ceremony recognizing each child’s achievement at the end of the school year.

The Running & Reading Club program is currently operating within multiple inner city schools, servicing over 1,600 children across Canada, from Halifax to Vancouver, including several First Nations communities. 

 

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