Run for Bradford raises money for food bank, library

Over 200 signed up for this year's run

Bradfordtoday.ca
Sept. 27, 2022
Mark Pagliaroli

Even the rain couldn't stop residents from enjoying a day of fun and fitness at the annual Run for Bradford event on Sunday.

Volunteers worked together to set up the stage and tents in front of the BWG Library, where registration took place and snacks were given out. Sponsors and supporters also set up around the main area, along with Bradford Fire and Rescue.
Run for Bradford is organized by the Ahmadiyya Muslim Youth Association, whose mandate is to support local charities and non-profit organizations. This year’s funds raised will be going to Helping Hand Foodbank and Bradford West Gwillimbury Public Library.

Kashif Meer, chair of Run for Bradford, explains, “The objective of the run is to give back. We want everyone to come out and support the local charities and organizations that help our community.”

The event launched in 2010 and has been growing ever since, aside from the 2020 and 2021 runs, which were cancelled due to the Covid-19 Pandemic.

Meer says, “I’m optimistic that the pandemic hasn’t put a dent in our numbers. Right now, we have over 200 people registered online for today’s run.”

He noted that people will also show up day of and register on the spot, which will further increase their numbers.

Volunteers at the event are all part of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Youth Association, and range between 15 and 40 years of age. Under that organization is a banner called “Mercy for Mankind”, which facilitates all different charity runs, including runs in Barrie, Newmarket, and Vaughan. Other initiatives include blood donations and building shelters for the needy.

“It’s not just about getting donations, but it’s about donating your time to help others,” Meer explains.

Meer is a local realtor and loves to volunteer in the community.

“It’s important for all of us to connect. Religious beliefs and political views shouldn’t matter, at the end of the day, all of us must come together and unite,” Meer adds.

He also mentions that the organization’s motto is “Love for all, hatred for none”, a simple way of showing the association’s no-discrimination policy.

Run for Bradford is a prime example of this motto, with people from all backgrounds running side by side for a good cause.

For more information on the run, or to participate in future events, go to www.runforbradford.ca.