Message from Associate Executive Director
當我們第
次邀請⼤家參加「FriendsandFamilyRun」
的跑步訓練時，很多⼈下意識就已經⽴即拒絕了。「跑步 不是我的強項」、「我太重了，根本跑不了」、「我做過膝蓋 ⼿術，不能跑步了！」對於許多參加者來說，運動從來不
是他們⽣活中的⼀部分，甚⾄有些⼈從來沒有運動習慣。
我們總能想出各種理由來逃避運動！
今年，我們有幸得到了⼀位專業⾺拉松教練的義務指導， 這是 個突破⾃我的絕佳機會。從熱⾝、動態拉伸，到 對⼀的個別指導，⼤家都從他的教學中受益匪淺。這不僅 僅是提升知識，更是⼀個讓⾃⼰變得更強⼤的過程。我們 的教練時常提醒⼤家，跑步是所有運動的基礎。只要你訓 練好核⼼肌⾁，其他運動的能⼒也會隨之提升。
結果？真是⿎舞⼈⼼！⼀位多年前進⾏過膝蓋⼿術的媽 媽，如今重新踏上了跑道。她激動地說：「這是我多年來
第 次感覺到雙腳⾶離地⾯的感覺！」兩位12歲的⼩朋 友在兩個⽉的訓練後，成為了跑步夥伴，並且能在14秒 內 起完成100⽶衝刺！更有很多參加者挑戰⾃我，陸續 報名參加了半程⾺拉松甚⾄全程⾺拉松的⽐賽！
這 切都證明了
個道理：當我們願意打破⾃我限制，願 意流汗和努⼒，就能感受到無⽐的滿⾜感。我們相互扶 持，彼此激勵，這段旅程真正體現了AcrossU-hub的信 念 「WeBelieveYouCan!我們相信你能做到！」。
Dickson Yip
Message from Associate Executive Director (con’t)
隨著活動的最後⼀周臨近，我們興奮地宣布：距離⽬標的 2,024 公 ⾥，我們已經完成了 90% 以上！這不僅僅是 個數字，它代表了我 們這個社群的堅持與努⼒。這讓我們感到無⽐⾃豪，也更加期待迎接 最後的 1 公⾥！
我們誠摯邀請你加⼊這場充滿意義的挑戰！不管你是否跑步健將，還 是從未參加過運動，這裡都會有你的 席位。這不僅僅是 場⽐賽， 更是⼀個機會，讓我們⼀起突破極限，為了健康，為了彼此，也為了 Across U-hub 的⻘年項⽬貢獻⼀份⼒量！
Message from Associate Executive Director
When we first invited people to join our "Friends and Family Run" practices, we heard all kinds of responses: "Running isn’t for me," "I’m too heavy," "I’ve had knee surgery; I can’t run." For many of our participants, exercise had never been a regular part of their lives In fact, some had never exercised at all It’s amazing how creative we can be when it comes to finding reasons not to get active!
But this year, we were blessed to have the support of a professional marathon coach, who volunteered to help us every step of the way. From dynamic warm-ups to personalized coaching, every participant benefited greatly from his expertise Not only have our members gained valuable knowledge, but their skills have also improved tremendously. Our coach reminded us that running is the foundation of all sports train your core muscles, and you’ll see improvements in everything you do.
The results? Truly inspiring! One mom, who had knee surgery years ago, said, "This is the first time in years that my feet have left the ground!" She is running again, overcoming what once seemed impossible. Two 12-year-olds became running buddies and, after just two months of training, they each finished the 100m sprint in under 14 seconds More participants are now setting their sights on bigger goals, with some even signing up for half and full marathons!
It hasn’t been easy, but the sweat has paid off and the feeling of accomplishment is incredible. We’re grateful for the support of one another, as we couldn’t have come this far alone This journey has been a true reflection of our motto at Across U-hub: "We believe you can."
Message from Associate Executive Director (con’t)
As we approach the final week before the event, we are excited to announce that we have already reached over 90% of our total mileage goal of 2,024 km! We’re so proud of what we ’ ve achieved as a community, and we ’ re even more motivated to push toward the finish line
Now, we want YOU to join us in this meaningful event! Whether you ’ re a seasoned runner or someone who has never laced up a pair of sneakers, there’s a place for you in the Run with Across family. Let’s come together, challenge ourselves, and make a difference for our health, for our community, and for the youth programs at Across U-hub that benefit so many.
Engage Youth to Create a National Urban Park in the Rouge Valley
On the last day of summer, September 21st, over 40 volunteers enthusiastically rolled up their sleeves to clean Rouge Beach and the Marsh Area. Equipped with gloves, litter pickers, and buckets, volunteers from Across U-hub partnered with Rouge National Urban Park (RNUP) to participate in International Coastal Cleanup Day. In just two hours, the team collected over 100 lbs of litter. The most common items were:
590 cigarette butts
425 plastic pieces
207 pieces of paper litter
The collected data was submitted to Parks Canada’s "Team Up to Clean Up" initiative and Ocean Conservancy. International Coastal Cleanup Day, part of a global movement spanning over 35 years, encourages cleanup efforts on beaches, rivers, and waterways in countries worldwide. Volunteers reflected on the significance of being part of a larger cause and discussed simple steps we can take to create a more sustainable future
Across U-hub’s collaboration with RNUP dates back to 2012.
Following the Government of Canada’s commitment in 2011 to create a national urban park in the Rouge Valley, Across U-hub was invited by the David Suzuki Foundation to collaborate with 10 local environmental and conservation groups on developing Rouge Park as part of Parks Canada’s national parks system. A group of youth volunteer leaders, along with myself, participated in the Camp Suzuki Training Program, which later led to the Tic-Tac-Toronto stewardship programs in partnership with other local environmental groups.
Teresa Chan
Engage Youth to Create a National Urban Park in the Rouge Valley (con’t)
For the past 12 years, our program leaders have worked closely with Parks Canada staff on stewardship initiatives under the theme “Tomorrow Starts Today ” These activities have included tree planting, invasive species removal, camping, hiking, environmental workshops, and beach cleanups.
RNUP was officially created on May 15, 2015 and it was my honor to attend the national launch in the Rouge alongside many other partners.
These efforts aim to empower youth, encourage community involvement, and foster responsibility for public spaces. These programs are part of Across U-hub’s youth-led leadership development model, which nurtures volunteers through hands-on leadership training.
During the pandemic, our stewardship programs at RNUP were paused. This recent beach cleanup allowed us to reconnect with RNUP staff, and many volunteers visited Rouge Beach for the first time. They were excited to learn about the park’s hiking trails and the Rouge Beach Improvement Project during the educational tour, building anticipation for future stewardship activities at Canada’s first national urban park
