Every Step Counts – Join Team Blind Beginnings!

Walk. Run. Fundraise. Empower.

Be part of something meaningful and run with purpose at the
Vancouver Half Marathon Charity Challenge
June 22, 2025.

What Is Every Step Counts?

Every Step Counts is Blind Beginnings’ 2025 fundraising campaign in partnership with the Vancouver Half Marathon Charity Challenge. Whether you're walking, running, or cheering from the sidelines, your steps will help empower blind and partially sighted children and youth across BC.

All proceeds from Every Step Counts will support our STEP Program – Safe Travel Education for Pre-schoolers. This one-of-a-kind summer program teaches preschool-aged children foundational mobility and independence skills. With your help, we're setting them up to take their very first steps—safely and confidently.

A large crowd of runners takes off from the starting line of the Vancouver Half Marathon, as seen under a black banner that reads "Vancouver Half Marathon" with mountain graphics.
A young child wearing a green raincoat, blue jeans, grey sneakers, and a blue cap walks confidently down a wet residential street on a rainy day. The child is holding a white cane with a red ball tip, used for orientation and mobility.

Why this matters

For many children with vision loss, learning to move safely and independently starts early. Through guided play, sensory exploration, and movement activities, the STEP Program empowers children to take their first independent steps — both literally and figuratively.

Your participation supports Blind Beginnings’ STEP Program (Safe Travel Education for Pre-Schoolers) means helping preschool-aged children who are blind or partially sighted learn to:

  • Travel safely and independently

  • Build body and spatial awareness

  • Gain confidence in everyday environments

  • Explore the world—just like their sighted peers

With your help, we can reach more families and help fund the services and support that we provide to families all across BC!

By joining Every Step Counts, you’re not just participating in a race — you’re helping build a world where blind and partially sighted children can move through life with confidence, curiosity, and independence.

A young girl wearing a colorful pink jacket, floral sunhat, and purple shoes walks confidently across a crosswalk using a white cane with red and white markings. She is being guided by an adult man wearing a grey "Blind Beginnings" t-shirt
A woman in athletic gear and face paint high-fives a row of enthusiastic volunteers wearing matching turquoise shirts along the side of a race course.
A group of enthusiastic supporters in matching turquoise "Cassie + Friends" t-shirts cheer on a runner at a race event. One woman holds a large lime-green sign that reads "YOU'RE AMAZING!"

Who can participate?

Whether you’re an experienced runner, a casual walker, a proud parent, or a passionate advocate — there’s a place for you on Team Blind Beginnings.

We welcome:

  • Individuals

  • Families

  • Youth & children (including 1K Kids Run participants)

  • Corporate & community teams

  • Virtual participants from anywhere in BC (and beyond!)

Your Impact, Your Way

You choose how you participate:

  • Register for a race and raise funds as part of Team Blind Beginnings

  • Fundraise online from the comfort of your home

  • Cheer and support others who are walking or running for the cause by sharing to your network

  • Make a donation to the campaign or a specific participant

Fundraising Perks

Prizes for Every Step!

To show appreciation for our incredible fundraisers, we’re offering fun incentives!

  • Top fundraisers will earn special prizes from our community partners

  • Every dollar raised makes a difference—and we’ll make sure you feel it

  • Every Blind Beginnings Racer will receive a Certificate of Participation

How You Can Participate

There’s more than one way to make Every Step Count

Whether you’re lacing up your running shoes, sharing a donation link, or cheering from the sidelines, your participation helps blind and partially sighted children begin their journey toward independence.

We’ve made it easy to get involved—no running experience required! Here's how:

Run or Walk for Team Blind Beginnings

Choose your challenge and join us in-person in Vancouver or virtually from wherever you are in BC (or beyond!).

Your Race Options:

  • 21K Half Marathon – Push your limits in the premier event!

  • 5K Run/Walk – A fun and inclusive option for all ages and fitness levels.

  • 1K Kids Run – Perfect for families and our youngest supporters.

  • Virtual Race – Walk, run, or roll your chosen distance at any pace and at any time between June 1–30, 2025 and still be part of the team.

When you run with us, you’ll receive:

  • A Certificate of Participation

  • A Team Blind Beginnings shirt

  • A chance to win exclusive prizes for top fundraisers

  • Recognition across Blind Beginnings’ social media channels

Register now using our link, and $5 of your registration fee goes to the STEP Program automatically!
REGISTER HERE NOW:
https://raceroster.com/94630?aff=5AU2M

Be a Virtual Cheerleader

Support our runners and share the message far and wide! Donate to your favorite team member or help them spread the word about their fundraising efforts!

Ways to cheer:

  • Sponsor a runner by donating to their fundraising page

  • Share their story on your social channels

  • Post words of encouragement with our campaign hashtags:

#EveryStepCounts | #Steps4Step | #BlindBeginningsRun

Get Your Workplace Involved

Rally your colleagues to run or walk together as a corporate team!
You’ll boost morale, show your commitment to inclusion, and make a meaningful difference to families all over the Province!

  • Show your commitment to inclusion

  • Engage employees in a meaningful team challenge

  • Support a program that changes lives at the earliest stages

Want your business featured as a sponsor or interested in donating a product or service as a prize for our Runners?

  • We will be happy to let everyone know about your participation and generous donation on social media!

  • Full Event Sponsorship Package and information is available, just let us know if your business or organization is interested!

To learn more about sponsoring this event or donating a prize for our Fundraising incentives contact: olena@blindbeginnings.ca

Two cheerful spectators stand on the side of a race route, smiling and holding handmade motivational signs and blue-and-gold pom-poms.

Let’s Make Every Step Count

Whether you run, walk, donate, or cheer—you’re helping support BC children and youth that are blind or partially sighted and their families

For more information, reach out to info@blindbeginnings.ca

Text reads "Every Step Counts"