Two Airdrie agencies hoping a road race will be the first step to end family violence in the city.

All proceeds raised from the 1st Annual Legacy Endurance Run To End Family Violence will go to support Airdrie and District Victims Assistance (ADVAS) and Community Links, two local non-profits with frontline staff and professional volunteers that service those affected by family violence.

Laurie Jacob-Toews, the Manager of Community Development Services for Community Links says both groups are seeing a rise in the instances of family violence.  Statistics show that in 2014, Community Links dealt with 126 individuals dealing with family violence.  In 2016, that number rose to 372.  The domestic violence files handled by ADVAS jumped by more than 250 during the same period.

Jacob-Toews says the tough economy may be partially to blame.  "I would say anytime there's increased stress and pressure in a family that can definitely end up in family violence situations increasing.  Both ourselves and our colleagues at Victim's Assistance are noticing there's an increase in the number of families we're meeting that are experiencing family violence."  

The run is being organized to replace the Tour de Airdrie race and Jacob-Toews says it was a great way to raise funds and awareness of family violence.

The run will include a 10 K race and a 5K race wich is dedicated to the memory of an Airdrie woman.

"We're very happy that the friends of Andrea Conroy have allowed us to continue naming the run in her memory.  Andrea Conroy was a lady in our community who was taken by an act of family violence in February of 2012 so it's great that we can keep that 5-K in memory of her."

If you're interested in sponsorship opportunites you can email: info@legacyendurance.com.  The sponsorship deadline is March 8th.  

If you want to run in the race you can sign up here

 

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