There was a mad dash for food in Winnipeg on September 24.
Not because of door-crashing sales, but for the fifth year in a row, the annual Race Amazing Winnipeg event saw dozens of teams race to collect food for the city’s food bank, Winnipeg Harvest.
This year, 32 teams managed to raise a whopping 879 pounds of food and $125 for the non-profit, community-based organization.
“We keep getting more and more people, and more and more food, it’s just so great,” said RE/MAX REALTOR® and organizer Laurel Freis. “It was so heartwarming to see so many people willing to come out and give a day up to play the games and help feed hungry people.”
Based on the popular television show, Amazing Race, teams were sent on a scavenger hunt around Manitoba’s largest city where they had to complete tasks such as solve puzzles, roll tractor tires through an obstacle course, and play disc golf.
One challenge had teams go to a grocery store and buy food items from a list provided by Winnipeg Harvest. That food was then given to the food bank at the end of the day.
“That was their grocery list. It was full of the most-needed items at the food bank,” Freis said.
Plans for next year’s event are already underway.
“Every year people ask me when next year’s event will be. Winnipeg is known for being generous; people always step up and that’s the kind of city we live in,” Freis said.
She offered this piece of advice for REALTORS® who might be thinking of hosting their own fundraising event.
“What you get out of it is even bigger than what people are putting into it. It’s a really warm feeling you get from doing something like this so it’s really worthwhile to just come right out and ask people for help.”
