It happens every year: the frosty chill leaves the air, the birds start chirping, and Canadians come out of their winter hibernation to finally bask in the warm sunshine. While the desire to be outside is strong, sometimes you just want to go beyond your usual walk around the neighbourhood. So why not upgrade your weekend workout while also supporting a good cause?

Get out of the gym and into your community

We can only log so many kilometres on the ‘dreadmill’ before our mind starts to wander and we feel stagnant and unstimulated.

Our minds, and especially our bodies, need variety to hit those goals. With charity runs, rides, hikes, and walks, you’ll not only feel the physical benefits of fresh air and community but also feel good about making a difference. Your participation will strengthen your heart and lungs while being part of something meaningful will bring joy to your soul.

So what are you waiting for? Whether you prefer a bicycle or hiking boots, York Region certainly has no shortage of charity runs, rides, and hikes to choose from this spring. Check out our top picks below.

Signed up for an active charity event? Tag SeeWhatSheCanDo and hashtag #seewhatshecando in your photos and memories. We’d love to hear your participation stories. Have an event to share? Create an event in our SWSCD HUB.

9 charity events to get you moving this spring

Sunday, May 6, 2018 - Hike for Hospice, Aurora:

Expect Sheppard’s Bush to have a festive and vibrant atmosphere on May 6^th as the Hope House Community Hospice hosts this charity hike. Strap on those sturdy shoes and breathe that fresh air as you help raise funds and awareness to improve end-of-life care for Canadians. The organization also takes this time to recognize the volunteers and professionals in the field and – another bonus! 100% of the funds raised remain in the community. Option(s): Hike.

Sunday, May 27, 2018 – Toronto Women’s Half Marathon/10k/5k, Toronto:

When you think of Toronto what comes to mind? Probably not greenery, parks, and creeks.  Runners in the Toronto Women’s Half Marathon/10k/5k can expect to see a whole lot of natural beauty as they race through Toronto’s park system - the race starts and finishes in the scenic Wilket Creek Park. One of Toronto’s most popular races, participants run to help support children living with cancer and their families. Option(s): Half-marathon run, 10k run, 5k run/walk.

Sunday, May 27, 2018 – Easter Seals Run, Newmarket:

York Region’s longest ongoing fundraiser, this event has been running (pun intended) for a whopping 42 years. The course offers a challenge for the competitive runners but also hosts a fun family-friendly event for those who prefer to walk. Helping to provide children with physical disabilities the services and programs that allow them to see how amazingly capable they truly are, this walk is a great way to add some kilometres to your running shoes. Option(s): 10k run, 5k run/walk.  

Sunday, June 3, 2018 - Heart and Stroke Ride for Heart, Toronto:

Have you ever been stuck in traffic and thought it would be more enjoyable - perhaps faster - to just cycle down the Gardiner or the DVP? Well this is your chance to (safely) do so. That’s right, these busy Toronto highways are closed and cyclists get to pedal down the surprisingly scenic motorways – all for a great cause. Don’t have a bicycle or just prefer good ol’ heel-toe power? There’s a way for you to support the Heart and Stroke Foundation and their services. Option(s): 5k run/walk, 10k run, 25k cycle, 50k cycle, 75k cycle.

Saturday, June 9, 2018 – Walk for Alzheimer’s, Richmond Hill:

Canada’s biggest fundraising event for Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias, this family-friendly event allows participants to register individually or create a team. 2017 saw over 25,000 walkers from over 281 walks across Canada and what a better way to get outside, get some exercise, and have a fantastic day with loved ones? Option(s): Walk.

Saturday, June 9, 2018 – SHOPPERS LOVE.YOU. Run for Women, Toronto:

Millions of Canadian women suffer from mental illness. Enter the SHOPPERS LOVE.YOU. Run for Women. Exercise is proven to help reduce symptoms of anxiety and mild depression. The Event takes this effort even further: every dollar raised from the run goes directly to local mental health services. Your participation in the run brings the women who use these services one step closer to recovery. LOVE.YOU.’s emphasis on a loving community means that whether you register individually or as part of a team, you will be surrounded by supporters cheering you on as you, in turn, celebrate others. Option(s): 5k run/walk, 10k run, 1k (for kids 12 and under).

Sunday, June 17, 2018 – Dash for Diabetes, Stouffville:

This course has a little bit of everything. Anyone who would like to lace up their shoes is welcome to walk or run their way through Stouffville’s lovely paths, trails, and roadways. All abilities are welcome and every $50 fundraised earns participants a ballot, provided by the Air Canada Foundation, for a chance to win a round-trip flight for two within North America. Check out the Dash for Diabetes website for the details on that but if that isn’t motivation to be at the Starting Line I don’t know what is. Option(s): 5k run/walk, 1k kids race.

Friday, June 22, 2018 – Relay for Life, Newmarket:

One of Canada’s most popular fundraising events, this annual “festival-like” fundraiser is held every year hosting a “community of people fighting back against cancer.” Make sure you stay hydrated if you grab a coffee because this event is a 6-hour relay, held from 6 pm to midnight. Teammates alternate who is doing the walking/running around the track but keep an eye out for the heart-warming Survivor’s Victory Lap which the first lap of the event - celebrating those who have bravely battled the disease and won - and the touching Luminary Ceremony: a time to honour loved ones who are currently fighting or remember those who have passed. This event attracts over 110,000 participants nation-wide so you know you’ll be a part of something special. Option(s): Walk/run laps in turn.

Sunday, June 24, 2018 – Ride Don’t Hide, Greater Toronto Area:

Roughly 1.2 million Canadian children and youth experience mental illness and yet sadly only 20% receive help. Supporting the Canadian Mental Health Association, Ride Don’t Hide’s mission is to help end the stigma of mental illness while providing support to the youth who are struggling. Participants can register either as a team or individually and have the choice to run, walk, or cycle. Options: 5k run/walk/cycle, 20k cycle, 60k cycle, *new* 100k cycle. 

SeeWhatSheCanDo 

For fresh thinking, inspiring articles and advice on fun ways to keep moving visit our Discover blog. Share your photos and successes on our Discover blog or by using #seewhatshecando on social media and inspire others to get active.

Check out our Athlete Advisor, your online business directory for all things active in your community. Find, rate and review clubs, local community offerings and businesses that help you do your thing.

Find or start your own active events or group at our SWSCD Hub and improve your strength, energy levels, and overall health.