Vision & Mission

Vision: Ted’s Run for Literacy’s vision is to break the cycle of childhood poverty by supporting grassroots, not for profit organizations that promote environments in which children flourish mentally and physically.

Mission: Ted’s Run for Literacy exists to support programming for school aged children which places a high priority on literacy and encourages engagement in play and physical activities that promote positive mental health, resilience, and leadership.

Ted’s Run for Literacy was established in 2010 following the death of Ted Swain on May 3rd, 2009. Ted was a passionate teacher of English at Vincent Massey Collegiate in Winnipeg. He was also a dedicated running coach who nurtured hundreds of novice runners. Ted is remembered fondly by the running community with whom he identified to his last step. To date, Ted’s Run for Literacy has raised almost $100,000 to help break the cycle of childhood poverty. We are indeed, the little race that could.

With your help, we are committed to donating between $6000 and $8000 annually to the following programs.  

Ted’s Run for Literacy is pleased to support Learn & Play.  The intent of Learn & Play is to help under resourced  1 to 5 year olds and their caregivers prepare for nursery school and kindergarten.  Learn & Play promotes positive interactions between parents and their children which nurtures the development of literacy and numeracy skills.  When a child learns alongside their parents they improve their future opportunities and build stronger family and community connections. Learn & Play is overseen by The Winnipeg Foundation and financially supported by Ted’s Run for Literacy.

Proceeds generated from Ted’s Run for Literacy supports CanU.  CanU, the University of Can, embraces the rich diversity and sees the great potential of Winnipeg’s youth. CanU provides hundreds of kids with remarkable opportunities for learning and leadership. Can U is an after school program that inspires hope and confidence in Winnipeg children.  The “big ideas” of CanU are: Literacy, Nutrition, Physical Activity, Mentorship, and Hope & Confidence.