Our Story

Founder’s Story

The event Run For Sobriety started out as an anniversary celebration of Josh Baron's sobriety with his closest friends and family back in 2021 to raise funds for mental health.

Most of his young adult life he struggled with alcohol and drug use - during the beginning of COVID-19, Josh found himself in a particularly dark place with no way out. Finally, after a phone call with his mom, she encouraged him to try something that he used to love when he was a kid - running.

Almost instantly, he discovered that running kept his mind off of substances and provided a sense of accomplishment and fulfillment like nothing else ever had. Running allowed him to build resiliency and a mental toughness that has translated positively into all other aspects of his life.

He has traded his addictions for a new obsession: becoming the best version of himself and chasing a healthy, fulfilling life. In addition to this, he learned that his greatest passion is to inspire and motivate others to achieve their health and fitness goals too.

Since running played a key part in his mental health journey, he decided to organize a run/walk event in his community to raise awareness of alcoholism and substance abuse in young people and donate the proceeds to a charity that supports this cause. He found that the Canadian Mental Health Association's mission and goals aligned with his own beliefs. By partnering with CMHA, he hopes to inspire others who are battling mental health issues or substance abuse to make positive changes in their lives and achieve mental well-being.

In 2023, Run For Sobriety Association was officially registered as a non-profit with the BC Societies Act and is currently made up of three directors: Joshua Baron, Natalie Varga and Brock Fast.

This year on October 6th 2024 - The Run for Sobriety Association hosted over 200 people and raised $11,000.