Hundreds of runners raced down Bush Farm Trail earlier this spring and now weeks later two local charities are reaping the benefits.

The 10th annual Let's Run Steinbach took place Saturday, May 13th. Race Director Greg Penner says participants are not obligated to collect pledges. Instead, money from the registration fees as well as from sponsors is pooled together and given back to the community.

Penner says this year they chose ROC Eastman and Youth For Christ Steinbach. And now just recently, each organization was handed a cheque for $2,500.

Moni Loewen is Executive Director for ROC Eastman. She says to have support from runners ties in well with what it is that ROC Eastman does. And, the money they received from the race will help them hire another staff member. Loewen explains it is very important for ROC families to have ongoing support. That is why they are hiring a Phase II worker. The goal is to have the position filled by July 1st.

Meanwhile, Rueben Singh with YFC Steinbach says money like this allows them to continue doing what it is they do. He shares the story of a grade six boy, who one month ago wasn't going to school. Singh says one of their staff members has been working with the boy and today he is not only attending classes again but also riding the bus by himself.

"(This money) will allow us to continue to do things like that in the community to support our programming and allow us to impact young people and work with our community," adds Singh.

Both Loewen and Singh say it is because of events like Let's Run Steinbach that they exist. Loewen says ROC Eastman has an annual budget of $170,000 and most of that comes from local fundraising. Singh says YFC Steinbach is funded solely through private donations.

Penner says in ten years of races, Let's Run has given more than $50,000 to local charities. On top of that, race proceeds have helped put up signage along Bush Farm Trail and also paid for a porta potty now up at Stonybrook Middle School running track.

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