Prince George RCMP, victim services and Community Policing are looking to give local girls a leg up with the Run for Fun program.
The free program promotes physical fitness and self esteem for girls aged 10 to 15 years old, Community Policing coordinator Linda Parker said. The girls train for a five kilometre race, while learning about issues like bullying, healthy eating, drug and alcohol awareness, Internet safety and other topics.
"It's an opportunity for us to engage with youth from the community. We are there to mentor and guide the girls," Parker said. "In the end, some of the girls become mentors. They talk and support each other."
It's the second year of the program. Over 50 girls took part in the program in 2011, and many found it an empowering experience, she said.
"It's phenomenal for some of the girls who never thought they could do that," she said. "It made the girls feel they can have a positive control of their lives."
The program runs Tuesdays and Thursdays from May 1 to June 21. Registration information is available online at www.communitypolicing.princegeorge.ca or at Community Policing's office at 575 Brunswich St. A registration evening will be taking place on April 11 from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. at Community Policing.
From now until April 20, the program is holding a shoe drive.
People are asked to donate new or gently used women's running shoes to the Prince George RCMP detachment or Community Policing.
"We're doing a shoe drive this year so that everyone is able to participate," Parker said.
Any shoes which are unused by the Run for Fun program will be donated to local charities, she added.
