Community members, local organizations and runners gathered at Bud Miller All Seasons Park on Sunday for the third annual Running for Shelter 5K, raising funds and awareness to support the Lloydminster Men’s Shelter and its transitional housing initiatives.
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The community event, held on Sept. 27, featured a 5K run/walk, local food vendors, a kids’ zone, and music, drawing between 50 and 60 registered runners alongside hundreds of attending supporters and families. Organizers set a fundraising goal of $50,000 for the event, aiming to bolster additional programming, education, counselling and transitional housing models.
Allan Bartolcic, CEO of the Lloydminster Men’s Shelter, noted the event highlights the collaborative spirit across the border city.
“What I’ve really learned is the openness of the community—the wanting to have the conversation,” Bartolcic said. “We identify ourselves as Lloydminster. What is the best approach to work with the model that we have? We want to create that sense of community.”
Bartolcic added that funds raised will directly impact client experiences, with transitional housing remaining the organization’s primary focus.
Lloydminster Mayor Gerald Aalbers addressed attendees, emphasizing the role of public support in addressing homelessness and improving services for vulnerable residents.
“The Men’s Shelter serves those in need,” Aalbers said.
“The challenge is that we need to continue to work to improve the lives of those that are less fortunate. Every opportunity that we can help make their lives better is much appreciated.”
Randi Noble, speaking on behalf of organizers through Red Bicycle Communications, expressed gratitude to local donors, vendors, and community partners who contributed on short notice for supplying food for the gathering.
Organizers plan to make the annual fundraiser a larger full-day family event in the future, with the next iteration slated for September 2027.
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