The Salvation Army Ontario Division Launches Annual Hope Run this September

Chaplain Dean Gregory is excited to do his first official 5 km fun run in support of The Salvation Army!

This September, The Salvation Army Ontario Division is launching their inaugural  Hope Run Ontario 2021, a province wide virtual run, in support of life-changing programs. Hope Run Ontario 2021 brings runners/walkers from across the province together to raise funds for the community or program of their choice.

Dean says he got involved to complete a personal running goal and to raise funds for The Salvation Army London Centre of Hope, where he works as a chaplain.

“I’ve lost a lot of weight recently and I’m trying to do things I’ve never been able to do before, like a big run.  Five kilometres is a big run for me, and I wanted to knock it off my bucket list and raise money for The Salvation Army at the same time,” said Dean.

Due to COVID-19 restrictions, this year’s run is virtual, meaning participants are encouraged to run in their own communities.

Dean says he’s been doing some training, including running and biking, for the upcoming fun run. He will be running with a group of friends in a park in his home community of St. Thomas.

He has also started fundraising by posting on his Facebook page, on a local community Facebook group, and through a weight loss and muscle building group he participates in.

For more information and to register for the Hope Run please visit https://salvationarmy.ca/ontario/events/salvation-army-hope-run/

By: Caroline Franks

Dean Gregory