2020 Constantine-Yorkville Virtual Run
2020 Constantine-Yorkville
Virtual Run
September 19th, 2020 (or 26th if raining)
GEM Voices

Celebrate Like a GEMGirl

Written By
Communications
January 16, 2023

It’s been a long, challenging year. In search of some holiday cheer, we turned to our incredible group of current mentees to find out how they spend their holidays and what “celebration” means to them.

First up is a video message from Sreela C.

From Olivia S.
“Growing up, I remember going to my cousin's house every Christmas Eve where our Latvian auntie would take the lead on singing carols. I distinctly remember her thick accent proudly chanting 'Jingle Bells' while the rest of us were humming along. This year, I look forward to having a break from school, working on my baking skills, and giving back to the community through charity drives.”

From Haleema A.
“I can't wait to binge Disney movies and Harry Potter with my little sister every night and make some exciting resolutions for the New Year. Spending some more time speaking to my mentor, planning out post-secondary, and applying for scholarships are going to be significant portions of my holiday season too.”

Haleema A.

From Rawdat R.
“I personally enjoy baking during winter. Banana bread is definitely the go-to treat, and I find myself spending a lot of time reading or watching movies. Another thing that’s great is all the sales and just the overall atmosphere of joy.”

From Rashmia R.
“My favourite holiday memory was the last day before winter break in grade 6 when my family surprised us with a drive to a cottage. Our stay was cold but beautiful, especially the frozen lake. We roasted marshmallows and the adults started singing Bangla songs loudly. I remember feeling so warm.”

Rashmia R.

From Simitha R.
“This holiday season, I’m looking forward to gift shopping, making personal cards, and wrapping baskets and gifts for my friends and family. This time of year is known as the time of giving. I find it really important and special to be able to give back to those who support me regularly.”

From Shirley C.
“I know the holidays are being affected by COVID-19 but I think the holiday spirit will be greater than ever because we will need to find creative ways to connect and celebrate. I'm really excited for the snow and the festive activities that come along with that like skating, making snowmen, sledding, and hanging out with friends (safely).”

Shirley C.

From Vicky C-S.
“Usually during the holidays, we invite family friends over to have dinner and karaoke together. I try to catch up with as many old friends as possible and share some holiday spirit!”

A video message from Kelis L.

From Alina L.
“I am most looking forward to unwinding, reading, and painting over the holiday season. I can spend more time with my relatives, even if we need to communicate virtually this year. My family will often drive around our neighbourhood to look at the lights or decorations our neighbours have put up. It sets the tone of the holidays – festive and warm.”

From Jadiha A.
"I usually spend my holidays by making myself cozy at home while watching the beautiful snowflakes fall. An occasional skating trip is a go-to, but this year will slide as we must be cautious of our health during these times. I hope to make this holiday season fulfilling by sending my gratitude and love to my family and friends. Sending my best wishes to everyone to take care and stay safe during these holidays!”

Jadiha A.

We’re feeling more festive already! Thank you to all the mentees who generously shared their stories, insights, and energy with our team.

GEM’s dynamic and innovative program relies on support from individual donors. The generosity of our community allows us to broaden and deepen our impact, year after year, evolving our curriculum and approach to suit the needs of our priority stakeholders: GEMgirls.

As you plan out your end-of-year giving, please consider supporting GEM through a one-time holiday donation or monthly support that will help sustain and foster our growth.

If you’re ready to make your mark on our future, click HERE to join GEMCollective. You can also make a one-time donation HERE.

Thank you and happy holidays from the GEM team!

Responses have been edited for length and clarity

Support #TeamGEM at this year’s Yorkville Virtual Run!

This year, the Yorkville Run will be held virtually from September 13th to September 27th, 2020. Below are the different ways you can participate and support us this year.

1) REGISTER TO Run or Walk with #TEAMGEM

Together, from the safety and comfort of our own neighbourhoods (or anywhere you choose, as long as it abides social distancing rules) we will be RUNNING or WALKING for #TeamGEM on September 19th, 2020 (or on September 26th if it’s raining).

Click here to register

All registered participants will receive a Premium Race Kit and customized Starter's Medal.

To prove your participation, you must do one of the following:

  • Record your run by using our custom Starter's Medal and/or a GPS App such as STRAVA, ASICS RUN KEEPER, or NIKE PLUS and submit your time and a photo of your time to your Race Roster profile.
  • Post a selfie/run photo or video taken during or after your run on Facebook or Instagram and follow @YorkvilleRun and tag ​#TeamGEM, #YorkvilleRun, and #Constantine5K. There are several partner prizes to be won!
2) SPONSOR A GEMGIRL TO PARTICIPATE

We have a roster of GEMgirls who would like to run for #TeamGEM. Donate now to help them register!

SPONSOR A GEMGIRL
3) Donate to a #teamGEM runner

If you can't make it, you can also support a #TEAMGEM runner.

SPONSOR A RUNNER
Dates to Remember
Tuesday, September 8th
to Saturday, September 12th, 2020
Race Kit Pick-up. Participants will be notified via email where in Yorkville you can pick up your race kit.
Sunday, September 13th, 2020
at 9:00 AM
Virtual Event Kick-Off. Join the Constantine Yorkville Run’s Virtual Event Kick-Off by tuning into Facebook & Instagram Live.
Saturday, September 19th, 2020
Run or walk anytime, anywhere for #TeamGEM!
Saturday, September 26th, 2020
#TeamGEM's back up day should weather prevent the run on the 19th.
Saturday, September 26th, 2020
at 5:00 PM
Winners of the Constantine-Yorkville Run’s fundraising prizes will be determined.
Sunday, September 27th, 2020
at 9:00 AM
Join the Constantine-Yorkville Run’s Virtual Event Closing Ceremony by tuning into Facebook & Instagram Live. Hear from our partners and share in the run's exciting fundraising achievement! Fundraising prizes will also be rewarded.

Your support at the Constantine-Yorkville Run this year will raise awareness and funds for the GEM program, which directly impacts young women in our communities and gives them the skills and tools they need to succeed.

Thank you for supporting mentorship!

Questions? Contact us at info@girlsementorship.com

Downloads

Share your participation and support on social media! You can retweet/share GEM’s run postings or use our branded material for the run.

Download Materials
Related Posts