Help Center and HRDC to Host Virtual Races in October and November
Bozeman, MONT. – Both the Help Center and HRDC will host their annual fall races this October and November. In an effort to combat the spread of COVID-19 and keep the community safe, their races have switched to a virtual race model. Runners who sign up for a virtual walk/run register online and simply choose their own starting line, whether it is on a treadmill, or a neighborhood street. Participants complete their distance and upload their finishing time.
The Help Center is the community’s local suicide, crisis, and resource line, operating 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Since COVID began in Montana, the Help Center shifted quickly to meet the growing needs in the community, seeing a 52% increase in need. The nonprofit will host their 6th Annual Run for Your Life 5k run/walk and Kid’s Fun Run on Saturday, October 31, 2020. This Halloween event is the Help Center’s largest fundraiser, supporting their suicide prevention, intervention, and community outreach efforts. This is also an opportunity to run/walk to honor those we have lost to suicide. Participants can choose their own course and submit their time online by 4 pm that day. Costume contest for humans and dogs will take place online. A new Mental Health Challenge is taking place during the month of October to encourage activities that support our mental health.
HRDC plays a critical role in addressing hunger, homelessness, and helping individuals and families achieve economic stability. HRDC’s Gallatin Valley Food Bank specifically works to address hunger in Bozeman and Belgrade. Amid the COVID-19 pandemic, the nonprofit has adapted its services to respond to an increase in need while keeping the community safe. Huffing For Stuffing may look different this year, but one thing remains the same—raising critical funds for Gallatin Valley Food Bank. For the 14th annual run/walk on Thanksgiving Day, participants can race in a virtual 1K, 5K, 10K, or participate in their new Community Challenge! Community members can help the organization beat last year’s miles by running, walking, donating, or doing a good deed, like volunteering. One good deed equals one mile!
To learn more about the Help Center, visit bozemanhelpcenter.org. To register for Run for Your Life, visit www.run4yourlifemt.com. For more information about HRDC’s or any other HRDC program or service visit thehrdc.org. For information about HRDC’s Gallatin Valley Food Bank, visit https://gallatinvalleyfoodbank.org/. To register for Huffing For Stuffing, visit https://2020.huffingforstuffing.com. •
