Hopefully, everyone enjoyed the long weekend and is now staying safe through the stormy weather!
In this week's Times, we're shifting gears a bit to hear from longtime Brainsport employee Colin Federow. Colin recently wrote about an experience he had fitting a man with a pair of gently-used shoes that very much represents the spirit of the Brainsport Shoe Donation Program and Brainsport as a whole.
So, in lieu of a Q&A this week we thought it would fitting to share Colin's piece of writing, which he originally posted on Facebook. So, let's get to it!
A "fitting" reflection: by Colin Federow
Have you ever wondered if the shoes you donate at Brainsport are put to good use?
I had a gentleman come into the store today. At first glance, he was not the typical customer, but I went over and asked him if he needed a hand. In a very timid voice, he explained that he was looking for a pair of shoes, but that he didn't have a lot of money.
I asked him what kind of shoe he needed and what he would be using them for. He said he needed them for work and that he really needed a pair because he had been borrowing his brother's shoes. I explained to him that we have a shoe donation program for just this reason. I told him to have a seat and I would go look for shoes in his size. I was very fortunate to find a great pair of shoes that fit great and look practically brand new.
I chatted with him for a little while longer. He told me a bit about his troubled past and how he is trying to get back on his feet. He has had to walk away from some of the bad influences in his life, but he now has a job and is on a better path. He told me that he just needs people to give him a chance and expressed how difficult it was to ask for help when he came in. I told him that I was glad he had the courage to ask for help and not to be ashamed of that. I told him that he is doing a great job, that I'm proud of what he has overcome, and to keep it up.
We shook hands and fist-bumped. He left very graciously to receive shoes that were in good condition and comfortable. We shared a very touching few minutes together. It was a pleasure to meet you Harley and I wish you nothing but future success.
On that note, I would like to thank all of the wonderful customers who continue to donate their gently used shoes. They absolutely get used for a great cause!
If you are not aware that Brainsport takes gently used shoes for this purpose, I encourage you to look through your closet and consider donating any shoes (we take all types) that you no longer use. Those shoes have likely served you well but can make a world of difference in someone else's life.
Thanks to Brian and his vision of community service. This is just one more great service that Brainsport offers. Be kind to one another.
Take care,
Colin
Upcoming Events
Regional Run - Warman to Martensville
On September 16 take part in a race from Warman to Martensville in the 2017 10K Regional Race! Participants are welcome to walk the route as well. There is a pre-race community breakfast being offered at Prairie Oasis Park in Warman for racers and community members.
A BBQ lunch will also be served at Kinsmen Park in Martensville from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. for racers and community members.
For more information go to the Facebook Event Page: https://www.facebook.com/events/434835300220608/.
YWCA Saskatoon Shine a Light Run
Shine a light on Friday, September 15 to raise awareness and funds for YWCA Saskatoon community programs - and help make a difference. Everyone is welcome to this event with distance options of 2K, 5K and 10K. The run gets started at sunset at Meewasin Valley. Register teams or individuals at http://www.ywcasaskatoon.com/2017-ywca-shine-the-light-run-why-do-you-run/.
Brainsport Running Academy
It's time to start getting ready for the 2017 Ginger Bread Run, and the Brainsport Running Academy is here to get you off to a great start with the following course offerings!
10K Course, with coach Tarrant Cross Child for 14 weeks beginning August 28.
Learn to Run Course, coached by Kimberlee Galus. This 8 week course begins on September 27.
For more information and to register go to http://www.brainsport.ca/, or drop by the store to register.
Wapiti Bush Run
Get out and enjoy a beautiful trail run at the Wapiti Bush Run, being held on August 27 at 10 a.m. Choose from a 5.5K or 8.5K distance. All runners entering by Saturday, August 12 will receive a unique "bush lunch" hosted by the Gronlid Willing Workers Catering Company.
This race is being hosted by the Tisdale Track Club and the Melfort X-C Ski Club. Proceeds from the race will go towards projects undertaken by these two clubs. For more information and to register click here.
Queen City Marathon
This year's Queen City Marathon is being held on the weekend of September 8. Considered one of the premier running events in the province, this is a race consider getting on your list. There are racing options for everyone at this event! Click here to learn more.
Product of the Week
On Running Shoes
Colin had fun posing with his pick for this week's feature product - On running shoes! Photos courtesy of his Brainsport colleague Kim Galus.
Here's what Colin has to say about his ever-growing collection of On shoes:
"t started with my On Clouds (bottom left). I put that shoe on as a tester the first week we got them. Not only did I wear it for the whole eight-hour shift that day, but I bought it before my shift was over. The next week I bought the Cloud Flow (it's now my gym shoe) and Cloud Venture (it's now my running shoe). Two weeks ago, I bought three more pairs of Clouds (as can be seen on the boxes)."
Thanks for reading the Times this week . . gotta run . . .Tara