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

Hey, Thanks for Opening the Door for Me

Written By
Sabhat, GEM Alumna
January 16, 2023

13th century Persian poet Rumi once said, “Your acts of kindness are iridescent wings of divine love, which linger and continue to uplift others long after your sharing.”

However, eight centuries later, I can confidently say that kindness is the one trend that never goes out of style. Amidst the hustle and bustle of today’s life, where people are sometimes more connected to their technology than they are to each other, we beg the question; why should we be kind to each other? And what really is the value of positive human relationships?

Growing up, I never failed to recognize the value of kindness. The first act of kindness I ever experienced was before I was even born, can you believe that?! You see, my parents are immigrants, and my older sister was born shortly after they came to Canada. The sacrifices they made by leaving all they knew in order for my siblings and I to have a better life was the first act of kindness I was ever shown. It is important to note that they didn’t think about what they could get out of this, simply what they could give.

And this point is crucial, it is important to be kind simply to…be kind. The other day on campus I saw a mother struggling to get her stroller off a ledge. Without any hesitation, a man asked her if she needed any help and she seemed so relieved to have had that assistance. This altruistic behaviour really touched my heart because simply put, in this crazy and hectic life, it is good to see that there still is good out there. It is heartwarming to have people who will hold open a door, help you carry something heavy, or text you to say “hey have you gotten home safely yet?”

This world can be filled with chaos sometimes, and everybody has their own demons they battle. The truth is, there will always be struggles and hardship in each of our paths to success and happiness. In the midst of all that, we owe it to each other to be kind, caring, and compassionate. We owe it to each other to be there for each other, as we may never know when we need someone there for us. We owe it to each other to look out for each other because, at the end of the day, we are not so different after all.

And perhaps it is your kind gesture, or your warm smile, that makes you stand out. It could be the smallest thing that someone remembers that presents new opportunities or experiences to you. Maybe your kind actions make you someone’s recommendation, or maybe because you were kind, someone else is. Being kind can be the start of a chain of random acts of kindness. So go ahead, hold the next door for someone walking behind you, text that old friend you haven’t talked to in a while and ask how they are doing, pick up a piece of garbage you see, and just be kind.

Be kind to yourself and be kind to others.

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
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