Riley Spencer is a life-long volunteer, primarily in the senior community. In 2017, he started sharing his time and talents at Parkland at the Gardens in downtown Halifax. Now the full-time recreation manager, Riley understands members of the senior community fight their own battles with mental illness.
So does Maureen Banyard. As a Parkland resident and Mental Health Foundation of Nova Scotia champion, Maureen, who has raised tens of thousands of dollars, quickly joined forces with Riley by happily taking him under her fundraising wing.
““My generation has grown up with vocal advocates for acceptance, where Maureen’s generation’s ‘push it down’ mentality is full of negative stigma.””
Riley knows what it’s like to have mental illness touch a little too close to home. Watching his high school friend battle the hurdles of mental illness, Riley did what friends and family often do – everything possible to help.
“I've always understood that mental health issues exist, but that was the first time that it hit home to me and so from that point on, I took the initiative to start fundraising for mental health organizations,” says Riley.
Riley found it refreshing to work with a senior who genuinely cared about mental health. Together they came up with a fast-paced, Blue Nose Marathon plan to support the Mental Health Foundation of Nova Scotia.
Riley was elated but not at all surprised by the support he received from the residents at Parkland. He knew in his heart of hearts that running the Blue Nose was on his bucket list, but as every runner can attest, having a little extra motivation is always welcome.
“It’s truly a community kind of support behind me and it felt amazing,” says Riley. “It definitely added an extra layer of motivation and encouragement to do my best and not let anyone down, including myself.”
By combining Maureen’s passion and Riley’s love of running, they partnered to build an Emera Blue Nose Marathon campaign.
“We were trying to bring something new to her fundraising and I wanted to run the Blue Nose. This would definitely make me run,” acknowledges Riley. “So, we reached out to the Foundation, and I joined its Charity Challenge Team.”
The pair, who hoped to raise $500, was elated when they crossed the finish line with just shy of $2000 for last year’s charity challenge.
“It’s amazing because you know that money is tangible, it gives back, and it helps people because it pays for services,” says Riley.
Looking ahead to this year, Riley has eagerly signed up once again for the Emera Blue Nose Marathon. His number one fan, Maureen Banyard, will be cheering him on (and helping him raise funds) every step of the way!
To join the Mental Health Foundation of Nova Scotia’s Charity Challenge team, or support Riley, please visit – www.mentalhealthns.ca/blue-nose-runners
Jenna Conter is the Communications Leads at the Mental Health Foundation of Nova Scotia