The final day of Lloydminster’s Recovery Week 2025 wrapped up on Sept. 6 with a run at Bud Miller All Seasons Park in support of the Lloydminster Men’s Shelter.
Sunshine lit up the trails as runners and walkers prepared for the Running for Shelter event. Many noticed the nearly 2,000 purple flags planted on a hillside near the start of the race. The display represented the number of lives lost to overdoses in Alberta and Saskatchewan in 2024.
Running for Shelter at Bud Miller All Seasons Park Dan Gray Meridian Source
Stephanie Munro, CEO of the Lloydminster Region Health Foundation, served as the run’s emcee, and said her role was about more than just standing behind a microphone.
“It’s so important to me to be involved in the community and support so many of these organizations, as an individual and as part of my work,” said Munro, noting the foundation’s ongoing support for the Thorpe Recovery Centre, the men’s shelter and Residence in Recovery.
Munro thanked participants for their presence, calling every step on the course a symbolic one.
“Everyone that lines up at that start line today is taking a step forward, giving those individuals that are unhoused a step forward for hope,” she said.
Support makes it all possible
Wade Lansdell is taking his first steps in that journey for hope. He attended the event with a large group of volunteers from the Thorpe Recovery Centre while marking 90 days of sobriety.
“This is my first recovery centre ever,” explained Lansdell. “I’m learning so much and loving every minute of it. The people and everything are so supportive. We couldn’t ask for better.”
For him, the run was a chance to witness the support available in the community, something he said he never knew existed during nearly 20 years of active addiction.
“There is help out there. There are people to talk to, there’s groups to go to. If we can get that voice out there a little farther, a little bit deeper, it might be able to help more people and not end up like that,” he said, gesturing toward the field of purple flags.
Kagan Kneen, executive director of the Lloydminster Men’s Shelter, said he appreciated the community support.
“A huge thank you to all of the incredible sponsors, participants, volunteers, organizations and spectators who attended our Running for Shelter on Saturday,” said Kneen.
“With 139 participants and the collaboration of so many incredible organizations in our community, we are getting closer to continue to drive more awareness, provide services to those in need and continue to build a stronger and more resilient community.”
The event, which raised over $25,000, closed this year’s edition of Recovery Week with a clear message. Awareness, support and community action remain key in the fight against addiction and homelessness.
Dan Gray Meridian Source
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