Walk. Run.
Cycle. Fundraise.
Move to End Human Trafficking
in Canada
What is in Joy In Action?
Joy in Action is a nationwide run, walk, and cycle fundraising challenge in support of The Joy Smith Foundation’s fight against human trafficking.
Fundraise & Win
Joy in Action is a fundraising challenge running from April 1 to October 1, together with a run/walk/cycle challenge. Participants from both official events and team-led events raise funds, compete on leaderboards, earn incentives, and compete for grand prizes as individuals and teams.
Official Community Events
The official events held in Brandon, Selkirk, and Steinbach bring participants together for inspiring days of community, fitness, and purpose. These in-person events include competitive runs, fun runs, and joyful on-course experiences.
Team-Led Events Across Canada
Supporters across Canada can create or join Team-Led Events in their own communities – running, walking, or cycling wherever they are – while contributing to the same nationwide movement to end human trafficking, and competing to win prizes.
Events
Why It Matters
Every day, vulnerable people are lured into human trafficking across Canada. It happens in large and small communities, and we want to see it stopped and support survivors of this heinous crime. Education is our greatest weapon.
- Over 7,000 lives supported by The Joy Smith Foundation’s survivor-focused programs.
- 93% of sex trafficking victims in Canada were born in Canada.
- The average age of entry into sex trafficking is just 13 years old.
Every conversation you start. Every dollar you raise. Every action you take expands hope, awareness, and change.
Your Voice. Your Actions. Your Impact.
See how individuals and teams across Canada are making a difference. Be inspired by the stories of supporters taking a stand against human trafficking—one event at a time.
Being able to raise funds for the Joy Smith Foundation through Joy in Action is a great way to fight against human trafficking. Education is key in stopping trafficking. Spreading knowledge is so powerful. Each year I’ve become bolder in my fundraising. Last year I set a pretty large goal for myself and it was surpassed. It’s exciting to see others learn that trafficking happens in our country and our community and are willing to support the fight against it. I’ve realized I just need to ask and share the knowledge that I have.
Colleen Breker
I first became aware of the Joy Smith Foundation early last year, and when I learned about the Joy in Action 2021 event, I signed up right away.
As a mother, grandmother and Christian, the horror of human trafficking compelled me to take action, however I could. Committing to raise money to fight and awareness of this grievous issue meant stepping far outside my comfort zone, but as I did, people responded. In spite of personal health issues and government restrictions, Joy in Action 2021 became an adventure—one that taught me that people want to help, if only they know why and how.
My experience last year made me determined to continue to volunteer with Joy in Action. On our own, we may not be able to do a lot, but together we can put an end to human trafficking!
Kathy Friesen
Last year, I took part in Joy in Action by doing a walk around the town of Kleefeld, MB. Despite the rain, lots of people showed up to walk in the name of helping to end human trafficking. When it comes to human trafficking, it does not take much convincing to inspire someone to get involved in help. No one that I know is for the exploitation of young people in Canada and this was an easy and enjoyable way for my teams participants to contribute to the Joy Smith Foundation’s cause to see it end. Being a Team Captain of Joy in Action was simple, fun, and so worthwhile. I will be joining again this year!
Natalie Siemens
Compete. Connect. Make an Impact.
Fundraising is at the heart of Joy In Action. Every dollar raised helps deliver trauma-informed care, prevention workshops, and life-changing support for survivors of human trafficking.
Whether you're joining as an individual or rallying a team, your efforts make a difference. Personalize your fundraising page, set a bold goal, invite others to give, and celebrate every step forward.
As you raise awareness and funds, you’ll climb the leaderboard, unlock exclusive rewards, and be recognized for your impact. The more you raise, the more lives you help change.
Your fundraising fuels trauma-informed care, prevention workshops, and survivor support
Ready to Make an Impact?
Join The Joy Smith Foundation’s mission to raise awareness, protect communities, and support survivors.
Our Work
We provide education,
intervention, and
prevention programs.
Learn More
What does human trafficking look like in Canada?
Information for parents and high school students here
Donate
Every dollar makes
a difference as we work together
to end human trafficking
Learn More
Thank You to Our 2026 Sponsors
Your generosity is not just supporting programs, it’s protecting lives. Together, we are empowering survivors, educating Canadians, and building a future where every individual is safe from human trafficking.
Presenting Sponsor
Platinum Sponsors
Gold Sponsors
Silver Sponsors
Bronze Sponsors
Become a Joy In Action 2026 Sponsor.
Benefits include brand exposure, on-site visibility, and national media reach.
Frequently Asked Questions
1, When does the Joy in Action fundraising challenge take place?
The Joy in Action fundraising challenge runs from April 1 to October 1, 2026. Fundraising, team challenges, and participation take place throughout this period.
2. How can I participate in Joy in Action?
- Register for an official Joy in Action event
- Join or create a team-led run, walk, or cycle anywhere in Canada
3. What are the official Joy in Action events?
Official events are in-person community events held in Manitoba:
- Steinbach – July 25, 2026 (4 km or 8 km Run/Walk)
- Brandon – August 8, 2026 (5 km Run/Walk)
- Selkirk – August 22, 2026 (3.5 km or 7 km Run/Walk, 35 km Cycle)
Each official event includes:
- A timed competitive race at 8:30 AM
- A fun run/walk/cycle at 10:00 AM
- Fun Stations along the course
- Awards and prizes
4. What is the difference between the competitive timed race and the fun run/walk?
The competitive race is a timed event with awards for top finishers and age-group recognition.
The fun run/walk is untimed and designed for participants of all ages and abilities, focusing on participation, encouragement, and joy.
5. Are there prizes at the events?
Yes.
Competitive races award:
- Top 3 male and female finishers
- Age-group recognition
Fun run/walk/cycle awards celebrate joy and participation, including recognition for creativity, encouragement, teamwork, and kindness.
6. What are Joy Stations?
Joy Stations are optional, interactive areas placed along official event courses. They are designed to create a fun, encouraging atmosphere through cheering, playful interaction, music, and celebration. Participation is optional and suitable for all ages.
7. Do I receive a shirt when I register?
- Official event participants receive an official Joy in Action event shirt (while supplies last; late registrations not guaranteed).
- Team-led event participants may choose:
- Free registration (no shirt), or
- $35 registration to receive an official Joy in Action shirt by mail.
8. What fundraising incentives can I earn?
Fundraising incentives are available to all individual participants, whether registered for an official event or participating through a team-led event.
- Official Event Participants:
- Raise $125 → Official Joy in Action Performance Hat
- Raise $250 → Official Joy in Action Hoodie
- Team-Led Event Participants:
- Raise $300 → Official Joy in Action Hat and Hoodie
Incentives are earned per individual, even when participating as part of a team. Incentives are to be collected at the race/event package pickup for Official Event participants.
9. Are there Grand Prizes for the fundraising challenge?
Yes. Grand prizes are awarded based on fundraising totals across the entire Joy in Action challenge period (April 1 – October 1, 2026).
Grand prize categories include:
- Top Fundraising Team — awarded to the team that raises the highest total amount during the challenge period
- Top Individual Fundraisers — prizes awarded to 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place individual fundraisers based on total funds raised
Grand prizes apply to both official event participants and team-led event participants, provided fundraising is tracked through the Joy in Action fundraising platform.
Grand prize details will be announced closer to the event.
How do I collect donations?
Participants can collect donations through:
- Their personal Joy in Action online fundraising page, or
- Official offline donation forms
10. What if I can’t attend an official event?
Supporters across Canada are encouraged to participate through team-led events. Team-led participants can run, walk, or cycle anywhere and are fully eligible for fundraising incentives and grand prizes.
11. Are team-led events part of the fundraising challenge?
Yes. Team-led events are a core part of the Joy in Action fundraising challenge and count fully toward fundraising totals, leaderboards, incentives, and grand prizes.
12. Can children participate?
Yes.
- Children 12 and under may participate for free when accompanied by a registered adult.
- Youth 13–18 may register independently in youth categories.
13. Do I need to fundraise to participate?
Fundraising is encouraged but not required to participate. However, only participants who fundraise are eligible for fundraising incentives and grand prizes.
14. What does my fundraising support?
Funds raised support prevention education, awareness initiatives, and survivor-focused work addressing human trafficking in Canada.
15. How much does it cost to register for an official Joy in Action event?
Timed Runs (Competitive – 8:30 AM start)
Adults
- Earlybird – $35 (–$5 MRA discount for MRA members)
Until May 31, 2026 - Regular – $45 (–$5 MRA discount for MRA members)
From June 1 to two weeks before the event for which you are registered - Late Registration – $60 (–$5 MRA discount for MRA members; no shirt guarantee)
From two weeks before the event until race package pickup
Youth (13–18)
- Earlybird – $25
Until May 31, 2026 - Regular – $35 (–$5 MRA discount for MRA members)
Until two weeks before the event for which you are registered - Late Registration – $50 (–$5 MRA discount for MRA members; no shirt guarantee)
From two weeks before the event until race package pickup
Children (12 & under)
- Free when accompanied by a registered adult (no shirt)
Fun Run / Walk / Cycle (10:00 AM start):
Adults
- Earlybird – $25
Until May 31, 2026 - Regular – $35 (–$5 MRA discount for MRA members)
Until two weeks before the event for which you are registered - Late Registration – $50 (–$5 MRA discount; no shirt guarantee)
Youth (13–18)
- Earlybird – $15
Until May 31, 2026
- Regular – $25
Until to two weeks before the event for which you are registered - Late Registration – $40 (–$5 MRA discount for MRA members; no shirt guarantee)
Children (12 & under)
Free when accompanied by a registered adult (no shirt)
16. How much does it cost to participate in a team-led event?
- Option 1: Free registration (no shirt)
- Option 2: $35 registration (includes official Joy in Action shirt mailed to you)
17. Do entry fees count as a donation?
Registration fees are not charitable donations. Donations made through the Joy in Action fundraising platform may be eligible for a tax receipt.
18. Are registrations refundable or transferable?
Registration fees are non-refundable and non-transferable.
19. How will I receive updates and event information?
Registered participants will receive email updates with important information. Event details, schedules, and updates will also be posted on the Joy in Action website.
Joy In Action is your opportunity to make a meaningful difference in the fight against human trafficking in Canada.
Mail donations to: The Joy Smith Foundation / 201 Portage Ave., 18th Floor / Winnipeg, MB R3B 3K6 / Make cheques to: The Joy Smith Foundation Inc. / 204-691-2455
The Joy Smith Foundation Inc. is a Registered Charity #801652314RR0001
© 2026 Joy Smith Foundation All Rights Reserved