Participation in Winkler's 2020 Thanks For Giving Run may have been down over years past, but support for the 14th annual event was unwavering.

Candace Funk is one of the organizers and she says the committee was still planning to host a live event up until August when it became clear public health restrictions related to COVID-19 weren't going to allow for it. As a result, organizers were forced to move the fund-raiser online where registered participants were welcome to do their virtual run anytime between September 25 and October 12.

"It was an adjustment but it was definitely needed...there was no way we could hold a live event...so we just needed to adjust, and that's kind of the theme of 2020 - adjust and continue on," said Funk.

In fact, this was the second consecutive year the Thanks For Giving Run was held virtually. The 2019 event was moved after that record-setting winter storm rolled through the region over the Thanksgiving weekend.

"I guess this just keeps us on our toes and makes us have to work a little bit harder to keep our runners excited and energized and engaged," added Funk, noting organizers and participants alike missed some of the community spirit, encouragement and awareness that is always evident on race day.

Despite this setback, the 2020 run still managed to raise a record $12,500 for the Winkler and District Food Cupboard, which makes food provisions available to those in the community experiencing food insecurity.

"There's community awareness around need...and the need is ever-present, and perhaps even growing, during the time of COVID-19. So, yes, we were very pleased that the numbers were still there," added Funk.

Additionally, she thanks the eager participants and dedicated sponsors, some of whom have been with the run for its entire 14-year duration, for their on-going support.