As winter sets in, Steve Wood is already focused on his next big challenge, looking ahead to the 2025 Taylor Wood Memorial Run for Mental Health during Ottawa Race Weekend. This will mark Steve’s fourth consecutive year participating in the event to raise funds for The Robbie Dean Family Counselling Centre (RDFCC), a cause that holds deep personal significance for him in memory of his daughter, Taylor.
Over the past three years, Steve has raised over $35,000 for the RDFCC, and this year, he’s aiming to exceed that amount. Wood tells myFM the day he found out about Taylor was when everything in his life changed.
Steve is signed up for the full marathon (42.2 km) on May 25, 2025, and has already begun his training. He shares with the community how people can get involved even without donating.
The Robbie Dean Family Counselling Centre (RDFCC) provides free mental health support to low-income adults in Renfrew County, offering more than 5,000 counseling sessions in 2023 alone. With funds raised from the Taylor Wood Memorial Run, Steve hopes to help RDFCC continue its vital work in the community, providing essential mental health services to those in need.
Wood tells myFM how people can find out more information and where to donate.
To learn more about how to donate or support the Taylor Wood Memorial Run, visit the donation page for the 4th Annual Taylor Wood Memorial Run for Mental Health at 4th Annual Taylor Wood Memorial Run for Mental Health – CanadaHelps.
(Written by: Emma Butler)