Compass Run raising money for local food security

Written By Jessica Laurenza

The 8th annual Compass Run for Food, taking place virtually in October, has already begun raising money for local food security in Dufferin County with a goal of $65,000. 

The Compass Run for Food, organized by Compass Community Church, is a family-friendly run or walk sponsored by numerous local businesses; 100 per cent of the proceeds will be donated to feed families and children in Orangeville, Shelburne and Grand Valley. 

Mike Braun, Race Director and member of Compass Church, heard of the growing need for food stability in local food banks and school nutrition programs which prompted him and other members to kickstart this initiative. 

“We believe it's important to care for each other and this run is an opportunity for anyone to do that by supporting local food programs,” explains Braun. 

As of July, $32,000 has been donated to local food banks and school breakfast programs with another $33,000 projected to be donated by the end of October. A quarter of a million dollars has been raised over the past seven years of running this initiative thanks to local business sponsors, gracious supporters, volunteers and participants. 

The Compass Run team is eager to watch donations grow throughout the years with the support of the community behind them. 

The virtual run allows participants to choose their own starting line and run either individually or as a team at whatever pace they wish. 

“We work hard to host a high-quality event that can [be] completed by everyone,” says Braun. 

Online registration is now open for runners to complete the race distance anytime in October and a registration kit can be picked up in person on October 2. For more information on the race, visit www.compassrun.com.