Charity Challenge 2023: Running in Solidarity for Human Rights

This past Earth Day, on April 22, Equitas staff, friends, family, and supporters gathered to take part in this year’s Charity Challenge at Parc Jean Drapeau in Montreal, to raise funds for Equitas.

Some started their morning bright and early, running 21k at 8 am while those running 5k and 10k took off a few hours later. This year we had a team of more than 30 committed participants to the race! To wrap up the day, we shared lunch and basked in those post–run endorphins together.  

Why were we doing this on a sunny Saturday morning? To accomplish something together as a team and to raise funds so Equitas can continue its crucial work promoting equality and inclusion. As Equitas board member and co-founder of the Maxwell Yalden Fund, Robert Yalden, said:

“After far too long navigating the pandemic, the Charity Challenge was a wonderful way to spend time in person with Equitas, team members and to support them and the amazing work they do. So, when our Board Chair challenged me to get out there and “run for human rights”, how could I refuse?!” 

Equitas is a non-profit organization dedicated to human rights education for advancing equality and respect for human dignity in communities in Canada and across the world. Our work is based upon meaningful partnerships and solidarity and this event was no different. It is important to bring people together and reflect on how we can challenge ourselves to raise awareness and support for issues that need attention and resources like fighting racism, preventing gender-based violence, and empowering youth to speak out for their rights. 

For instance, André Riverin, 9 years old, decided to run 5k with Team Equitas and here’s why: 

“When there is no equality, it is not fair! Human rights are for everyone. Really everyone: women, girls, children, and even the poorest people, people who live in war-torn countries, people who are forgotten, etc.”  

We were ecstatic to also have Accedian join us as a corporate partner for the third year in a row. Accedian staff participated all the way from Stockholm, Sweden, to raise funds and we also had a staff member join the Equitas team in Montreal. Accedian helped to raise close to $4,500 for human rights education and Equitas! 

It was a beautiful and energizing day. Let’s see you there next year! 

You can still donate and help us reach our fundraising goal of $12,000! Donate and support our work to empower communities and individuals to claim their rights. We can’t do it without your help.