Meet Christina Koenig  

We are excited to share a donor spotlight in a different way, through sharing the words of Christina Koenig herself. Christina has turned her passion for running into a way to build community, raise awareness and support women and children moving beyond violence. As the volunteer organizer behind our Toronto Waterfront Marathon Charity Challenge team, she brings not only heart and dedication, but also lived experience and insight from her work in social services. In her own words, Christina shares what fuels her commitment to this cause and how running with purpose can truly change lives.

Some are drawn to running for inspiration and speed, chasing a record, crossing the finish line ahead of the competition. Others find challenges in running, pushing forward to test limits of endurance or strength. Fitness might be motivation to run. When we face obstacles, maybe running helps to focus the mind.

Running is all of these things for me, but what l love most and what gets me out the door each day are the friendships. I put on my running shoes, and l am connecting with friends in the community, and it’s a community that has been there for me through many of the life challenges that l have faced.

It was so natural then that, when l had the opportunity to support Women’s Crisis Services through volunteer work of some kind, l thought of running. I thought of the Toronto Waterfront Marathon and a particular highlight of this race called the charity challenge. In fact, l had been a runner in this race before as part of a team for charity, but never had a role in organizing.

Organizing a team to run would give me an opportunity to grow but also share what l love. I knew that by working together, we could really make a meaningful difference. This was shaping up to be the perfect volunteer role for me!

My best advice for volunteers is to choose something you love and can pour your heart into. Be creative, whether it’s running cooking, yoga, theatre, or nature. The possibilities are endless, and there are ways that sharing your passion can help.

.Once l shared with WCSWR, the plans just blossomed. Since becoming an official charity in the race in May, so many have joined us, participating in all different ways and showing support with cheers whenever there are updates. “What a great cause,” is a cheer heard so often! This has really been an uplifting and hopeful experience! Our entire team is involved, and we all have an opportunity to see all of the support there is for the work that Women’s Crisis Services does in our community.

As a charity focused on moving beyond violence, WCSWR removes barriers and obstacles for so many women, children, and families. The organization provides life changing services and resources. l am learning more about this every day and have been listening to the podcast. She is Your Neighbour, which has provided many helpful suggestions for support and further information about programs and initiatives addressing domestic violence. I am hopeful that this new knowledge will mean that I can be there if there is ever a time when family, friends, or neighbours need my support.

As someone who has worked in social services for a long time, l know how important resources and programs are. Through social service work, I first helped newcomers to Canada, and I now help people with disabilities as a self advocate and advocate for my family. I get to know through my work, so many people who face tremendous challenges. I hear a lot of stories of strength and courage and expressions of gratitude for community support.

I want to share the community that l have found in running because l think friendships and community connection can help all of us through so much. Kindness moves us forward, and hopefully, in sharing a common goal and crossing the finish line of this race together, we can help put an end to domestic violence.

So join us as we move beyond violence. Together, and with each step forward, we are one step closer to our goal.

When your legs get tired, run with your heart. — Unknown

I want to thank everyone working at WCSWR and thank our Toronto Waterfront team of runners as well as everyone supporting!