August 19, 2021
Since 2015, Manitoba Marathon has given grants to help St.Amant move the people it supports out of 440 River Road and into the community.
This year, United Way Winnipeg managed the donations made to Manitoba Marathon and gave St.Amant four grants worth $3000 each. This is a pledge of $12,000!
Each grant was provided directly to the individual transitioning from congregate living to the community and helped pay for a variety of things needed to create a home environment, such as new bedroom suites, sofas, and TVs. “Funding from the Manitoba Marathon provides people with developmental disabilities supported by St.Amant with increased independence and supports them to live active lives in homes in the community. This gives people the chance to make choices, both big and small, that improves their day-to-day lives, and encourages autonomy and inclusion,” says Juliette Mucha, Director of St.Amant Foundation.
In support of Manitoba Marathon’s mission to support community living for people with disabilities, since 2015 St.Amant has supported staff to participate in the annual marathon. Robert Jeffrey started running in the marathon in 2017. Given that he and his teammates work in St.Amant’s psychology program they named their team Positive Runinforcement—a pun on the common psychology term positive reinforcement. “Running in the marathon builds camaraderie and excitement,” says Robert. “My entire team has been cheering and encouraging each other on Instagram and posting about all the training we’ve been doing. It’s a real honour to represent St.Amant and to rock one of the t-shirts they provide us.”
Jacklyn Desharnais has been running in the marathon since 2018 and plans to run again this year. “Every time I cross the finish line I get this amazing feeling of accomplishment,” says Jacklyn. “Not only did I run 13 miles, but I ran 13 miles for a good cause!”
This year participants can walk or run the marathon in-person on September 4th and 5th or they can participate in the Virtual Race anytime between September 1st and 30th. Click here to register.
