Ottawa runners and walkers participate in annual ‘Brain Freeze’ fundraiser for a good cause

Hundreds of runners and walkers participated in the Brain Freeze fundraiser, raising money to help those struggling with addiction. CTV’s Camille Wilson reports

Racers, sprinters, joggers and walkers took off at Carleton University Sunday morning for the 8th annual ‘Brain Freeze’ fundraiser, organized by the school’s Chee Lab.

The annual winter run drew in nearly 100 participants for a 5K run, 5K walk and 10K run, aiming to bring awareness to students and the community about brain health and to encourage others to make physical activity part of their lives.

“A big part of brain health is mental health,” says Melissa Chee, the event organizer and a neuroscience professor at Carleton University.

“We are interested in how the brain controls feeding and metabolism. We know that physical activity is a really important part of supporting brain and mental health. It’s about going outside for even a walk or run.”

Nicholas Schmidt is an avid runner and was happy to support a good cause.

“I think just everyone has their own things that they deal with. That’s very relatable,” says Schmidt.

Every year, Chee says they choose a local Ottawa charity to support. This year, they chose Serenity Renewal for Families, a charity offering counseling for individuals, couples and families.

Some participants were there to support friends

“We’re long-time long-distance runners. We’ve known Melissa for quite a while and we like to support her event. It’s raising money for a very worthy cause,” says Dennis Ferris, a 10K runner.

Serenity Renewal is also offering adult education workshops and programs not only for the person in recovery, but for the other family members who are affected.

“Supporting individuals and families affected directly and indirectly by addictions. Just the awareness and people that are running, walking today. They may know family members, or other family friends, who are affected by addictions and then they can call and access our services as well,” says Neil Leslie, executive director for Serenity Renewal for Families.

‘Brain Freeze’ has surpassed its previous goals, raising more than $5,300 this year.

“We have a barrier-free access to services, so it’s a sliding scale. 73 per cent of our clients pay zero to access our services and that’s okay, because often addictions will affect finances in the family very negatively. If we can open our doors and offer a safe space for people to explore what’s been going on in their in their family due to addictions, we’ve had our goal,” says Leslie.

Schmidt came in first place but says there’s a bigger meaning behind it.

“I think it’s a really good cause. My partner is a social worker and she actually refers people sometimes to this charity,” Schmidt said.

Kate Chappell, secretary of the board of directors for Serenity Renewal for Families was also participating in the 5K run with her two children.

She says the run is meaningful to her and is a chance to give back to an organization that was there for her.

“Serenity Renewal has really helped my family. We went through the babies program and the strengthening families program as a family together and it really benefited us by creating a sense of community and just helped us through a rough time,” Chappell said.

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