Mental wellness is important to the entire community, and the Time For Hope Colours Cochrane 5K Run, May 5, being organized by the Bow Valley High School is meant to spread that message while raising funds.

On Friday, the Cochrane Lions Club threw it's support behind the colour fun run and donated $1,000 as part of their ongoing support of initiatives of the high school.

"The support of the Lions Club makes a huge difference to us to help cover costs of this event and help us maximize profits that we can give back to our cause of choice, the Boys and Girls Club of Cochrane and Area," explains Kassidy Gerhardi, a member of the school's vibrant leadership team.

Lions Club public relations director Mark Demeo says the club never hesitates to step up to assist the school in ventures like this.

"Bow Valley and the Lions Clubs have been partners for years and help each other out when it comes to community events or the fundraisers they have, whether it's monetary or the loan of equipment," says Demeo.

It's a two-way street, though, and the students for at least the last 10 years have helped the club at the annual Labour Day Weekend Rodeo.

"The club is more than willing to help out these fine kids out because they're always willing to come back, in turn, and help us out."

Other generous sponsors have also stepped forward says Gerhardi, and it's all appreciated.

"It's not just a Bow Valley issue, the topic of mental health and the importance of that is something the entire community can get behind."

Proceeds go the Boys and Girls Club of Cochrane and Area in support of their "The Club" project to give teenagers a place to hang out in an accepting environment with the opportunity be creative, have new experiences and develop lasting friendships.

The colourful fun run is a family affair and open to all ages. General registration is $30 and for children under 10 it's $10.

Registration/check-in is open the morning of the event at Mitford Park from 8 to 9:30 a.m. and the race begins at 10 a.m. It is recommended you bring a print out of your registration or have a digital copy available.

The run itself is about an hour and afterwards, there's some entertainment at the park to make it a special morning the entire community can enjoy, explains Amanda Madson, also of BVHS leadership committee. It wraps up around noon.

"Everyone we speak to is super excited about it," says Madson. "We have quite a few people registered so far and we're hoping to get more."

"We really just want it to be a day of celebrating mental wellness and getting our community out there and showing the connectivity and the bond that our community has towards mental health and the support we have for it."

The school's leadership team had a media launch on Monday as the latest part of their multimedia campaign that started in March and also includes a Facebook Page, Instagram, and great promotional video posted on YouTube. They are also encouraging people to share on Twitter and Instagram: #t4h2018 #colourcochrane

If you have any questions regarding the event you can contact timeforhopebvhs@gmail.com

You can register here.