Minneapolis, Minn. – MDRA Foundation, the philanthropic arm of the Minnesota Distance Running Association is pleased to announce the 2020 Community Giving Grant Awardees. Mile in My Shoes, the Patrick Henry High School Cross Country Team and the Trinity First School Cross Country team have each been awarded a $1,000 grant. These applicants were chosen because they further the Foundation’s mission to promote youth participation; provide training and education to runners; and/or support the running community.
Mile in My Shoes is a Minneapolis running program based out of re-entry centers for people exiting incarceration and homeless shelters. They transform lives of Resident Members and Run Mentors by running to build community, increase wellness, building leadership, and spurring personal and social action. They plan to use the funds to purchase gear for participants and adapting their programming in the era of COVID-19.
The Patrick Henry High School cross country team is in north Minneapolis within a low-income community. Their team will use the funds to help pay for shoes and registration fees for youth who otherwise would be unable to participate. Coach Emily Noel said, “…I have first-hand witnessed the joy and healing these students experience when working out.”
Similarly, Trinity First School, located in the Phillips neighborhood of Minneapolis will use the funds to provide running store gift cards to cross country team members who meet running goals. Their team consists of approximately 35 members from diverse backgrounds whose physical activity has been limited due to park closures and safety in their neighborhoods.
###
The Minnesota Distance Running Association was established in 1961 and is a membership supported group whose goal is to connect the Minnesota running community and support runners of all ages and abilities through education, programs, and advocacy.
In 2017, the MDRA Foundation was established as a 501(c)(3) entity. The mission of the MDRA Foundation is: To promote youth participation; provide training and education to runners; and support the running community.