2020 Wild One Run: $16,400 Raised for Youth Mental Health

A successful virtual event thanks to new dynamics and possibilities.

2020 marked the 3rd year in a row of the Wild One Run for youth mental health. For everyone’s health and safety this year’s run took place in a virtual Canada-wide format, and even though we missed seeing everyone in person, we are very happy about the turnout of the event.

135 walkers, hikers, joggers and runners joined us from across Canada, and even a couple from the United States, to raise funds and awareness for youth mental health. Participants created teams to fundraise money and to spread the word. One team in particular contributed a large portion of this year’s donations. Team Kaamos organized by Michelle Scranton and her brother Brian were able to raise over $3,000. 

Team Kaamos – photo by Michelle Scranton

In Spring this year Michelle and Brian lost a young family member in her teenage years to her battle with mental health and the run for them was a tribute to her legacy. Sharing their story is a courageous way of connecting with others who fight with mental challenges or care for someone who does. It is also a valuable contribution to breaking down the stigma that people with mental health issues still are confronted with. 

For more information about Team Kaamos please check out their original team page on RaceRoster here.

As in previous years, the leading local provider of geothermal energy solutions, GeoTility, generously contributed to our cause. Kelowna branch manager Steve Begley, who took part in the run with his wife and kids, handed over a $2,000 donation in the name of his company.

These two major contributions added to the proceeds and donations that came in through RaceRoster and brought us to a total of $8,200. Blenk Development matched this amount resulting in an overall total of $16,400 for the youth mental health projects supported by the Blenk Family Fund. 

Foundry Kelowna and Discovery College are the two main organizations that the Blenk Family Fund supports. The extra funds raised through the Wild One Run will help the Foundry launch “Foundry Mobile”, a service station on four wheels that will make help accessible for youth outside the urban cores. Discovery College will continue a series of online programs that help young people manage the current crisis and day-to-day challenges. 

A third of the funds raised or donated by the Blenk Family are used for research in suicide preventation. The CLARITY project is an unprecedented cooperation of private organizations and public institutions such as UBC Okanagan and Interior Health with the goal to enhance available services and better communicate with youth and those who care for them. The partners have formed a group of experts with the aim of basing every step of their work on in-depth research. 

If you’d like to receive emails with updates about the Blenk Family Fund projects, please join our mailing list here.

Despite the challenge of staying physically apart, so many of you came together virtually for this cause to help support the wellbeing of our young generations. There are no words to express how grateful we are for everyone who participated and donated this year and in previous ones. Together we are making massive progress for our youth.