Cerebral Palsy Association in Alberta hosts Fall Run, Walk and Wheel Event: The Life without Limits Challenge

The 2008 Life Without Limits Challenge was held recently in Calgary and Edmonton for people of all ages and abilities. While each city offered different activities and challenges for each participant, the goal was one in the same - to raise money and awareness for Cerebral Palsy (CP) Association in Alberta, a UCP affiliate.

Until 2006, this event had been known as the CP Bike-a-thon, a stationary bike race that had been running for over 20 years. The event took on a new look and name in 2007 and became known as the Life without Limits Challenge – a 5k Run, Walk and Wheel event for people of all ages and ability levels. With every year that passes, the coordination of these events gets streamlined, and although the affiliate does face some challenges, they have been very fortunate to have wonderful sponsors and donors on board to help make the event a success.

Laura Therrien, who handles communications & marketing for CP Associations in Alberta, remarked, "We anticipated a lower interest in the race in the Edmonton area as the Challenge falls on the same day as the Terry Fox Run; however, we saw an increase in participation this year! We have also been quite lucky in Edmonton to have Wendy Sandwith, host of City TV's Breakfast Television as our emcee for the event, which helps generate media attention."

Trying to promote the event can sometimes be challenging as the affiliate competed with other fundraisers in both cities. However, it was very successful in gaining radio media coverage, with one station even matching one of a participant's fund raising goal.

Media advisories and press releases were sent to media province-wide, and collaboration amongst community agencies proved successful as many included mention of the Life Without Limits Challenge in their newsletters. The affiliate was even able to secure appearances on City TV's Breakfast Television in both cities. Staff and volunteers were integral in promoting the event, and dedicated their time and energy to recruiting participants and setting goals for themselves to ensure the CP Association in Alberta met its goal as an organization.

Last year, the event raised approximately $40,000 province wide, and this year they aimed to raise $82,000 province-wide. As of September 11, 2008, the affiliate had 260 registrants signed up for the event, scheduled to take place on September 13^th in Calgary and on September 14^th in Edmonton. Laura Therrien also said,

"I am not sure where we stand in pledges, but a few days ago we were $17,000 short of our goal. We aren't too worried about making up these funds, as this is only an indication of the on-line pledges entered, and in previous years, we have noticed that many will bring pledges with them on the day of the event. So we are quite confident that reaching our goal is not out of sight."

This year's event featured entertainment, clowns, a fire truck, and music as well as many great prizes/awards including a Chill Out Chair (valued at $2,000), generously donated by Freedom Concepts for the "top youth fundraiser with a disability."

Also, CP Association in Alberta had ability stations set up for people to test their motor skills and get a small understanding of what some of their consumers encounter on a daily basis.

For more information, please visit the CP Association in Alberta Web site, Life Without Limits Challenge Web site or contact Laura Therrien at (403) 219-3604.