For over a decade, Run for Little Ones has been making a difference in the lives of Alberta’s most vulnerable newborns. Led by current president Zeeshan Chawdhry, this student-run non-profit raises funds and awareness for the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) at the Alberta Children’s Hospital through an annual 3K and 5K run, as well as bake sales and other community events.
Describe your charity/non-profit/volunteer work in a few sentences.
Run for Little Ones is a student-run non-profit organization that organizes an annual 3 and 5-kilometer run, alongside various bake sales and other events, with the goal of raising money and awareness for the Alberta Children’s Hospital. Through collaboration with sponsors, local-run clubs and other charities, we have been able to foster an inclusive community and bring in over $36,000 in donations for the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit at the Alberta Children’s Hospital.
What problem does it aim to solve?
Some of Alberta’s sickest and most vulnerable newborns are cared for at the Edwards Family NICU. These patients deserve a high quality of specialized care, and through our continued support, we help provide resources, equipment, and most importantly, support for families.
When did you start/join it?
Run For Little Ones was established in 2013, however, I joined the non-profit as an event coordinator in the summer of last year and took on the role of president early this year.
What made you want to get involved?
As someone who has spent significant time in the NICU at the Alberta Children’s Hospital, both as a patient and as a family member, I know how crucial it is to feel confident in the quality of care you are receiving, as well as being supported by staff around you. By getting involved in this non-profit, I hoped to give back to the environment that cared for me and my loved ones in a vulnerable moment.
What was the situation like when you started?
This non-profit had already been well established and had already raised thousands of dollars for the NICU when I joined. Annual runs, both 3 and 5 kilometres, were well established, alongside various other smaller, fundraising events in the form of bake sales, clothes drives, etc.
How has it changed since?
Since I joined, we have pushed for greater collaboration with various local running groups and other non-profits, with the end goal of increasing community involvement and raising awareness for our cause. In addition, we have started to branch out, planning more frequent, and diverse fundraising events, rather than limiting ourselves to the annual run.
What more needs to be done?
Major efforts need to be made by all volunteers to increase community involvement and outreach with local-run clubs. In addition, growing the main annual race is something that we have set as a major goal. To do this outreach is a main focus, and partnering with more local groups, charities, and companies is something that we are striving to do.
How can our readers help?
The biggest thing that readers could do to help would be to get involved personally or let someone else who may be interested know about the organization and our cause. Most importantly, coming and showing support for our non-profit and our cause at our annual run would be the best way for readers to help out.
Do you have any events coming up?
We do not currently have any events set in place. However, we do have an annual run that always takes place in August that we have begun planning for. The final date is not set, but it is likely to be in late August.
Where can we follow you?
You can follow us on our website or our Instagram.
PAY IT FORWARD: What is an awesome local charity that you love?
The Alberta Children’s Hospital Foundation.
