The KidsFest Running & Reading Club is a unique, life-changing program offered to socio-economically challenged children across Canada. This high impact program helps to improve literacy, physical fitness and social interaction among participants, equipping children to achieve their full potential and become valuable contributors within their respective communities and the nation. It takes place at elementary schools for 2 hours per week from late September to early June. This comprehensive program employs simple, fun calisthenics and a 100 km adventure that allows children to run "across the country" over the school year and complete a 5K run in June, as well as a complimentary reading and writing adventure, which encourages children to explore the power of words and helps them to develop a love for reading.

 

The KidsFest Running & Reading Club began in 2004 at a single school in inner-city Toronto under the vision and directorship of former Olympian and Canadian Women's Marathon record holder, Silvia Ruegger.  In just four years, it has expanded to 18 locations, with children now participating in schools from Halifax to Vancouver.
 
For further information about the Running & Reading Club, please contact Lina Balsamo at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

National Director: Silvia Ruegger
Director of Community Relations: Nicole Ivory
Executive Administrator: Lina Balsamo