What began as one man’s personal health journey has grown into a Boxing Day tradition that brings Winnipeggers together in support of Siloam Mission.
This December marks the 12th annual Changing Boxing Day to Running Day, a fundraiser created by longtime Siloam supporter Junel Malapad. Since 2015, Junel and a growing community of runners, volunteers, donors, and local businesses have raised more than $112,000 to support people experiencing homelessness and poverty in Winnipeg.
For Junel, the greatest achievement isn’t the kilometres he’s run or even the dollars raised. It’s the community that has come together to care for neighbours in need.
“A spark can turn into something big,” he says. “I wanted to inspire people, and seeing others come out year after year has been amazing.”
Growing up near Main Street and Manitoba Avenue, homelessness wasn’t something Junel only read about in the news – it was part of the neighbourhood where he was raised.
“Siloam has been part of our community for many years,” he says. “If my parents hadn’t found work after we came to Canada, I could have been in that situation.”
One particularly harsh Winnipeg winter, Junel learned that a person experiencing homelessness had died after being exposed to extreme cold. The news stayed with him and made him reflect on how easily life can take an unexpected turn.
Wanting to make a difference, he began looking for a way to help. That search led him to Siloam Mission.
One Boxing Day, after completing his run in bitterly cold weather, Junel stopped by Siloam to deliver the donations that had been collected. Walking into the drop-in, he found it filled with people spending the holiday without family or friends.
“Seeing that on Boxing Day made me think this is something that needs to be addressed every year,” he says.
From that first visit, the tradition began to grow. Each year, more runners joined. Volunteers stepped forward. Local businesses donated. Friends invited friends. A simple act of giving became a community-wide effort.
That spirit was especially evident last year when health concerns prevented Junel from participating in the run himself. Rather than letting the tradition pause, fellow runners stepped in. Every hour of the 12-hour event, someone volunteered to lead the group.
“People knew I couldn’t run, so they picked up the torch,” Junel says.
Local businesses have also helped the fundraiser grow over the years. Community-minded partners like Access Storage have stood alongside the runners and volunteers, expanding the event’s reach and impact. “Every business has a person behind the business,” Junel says. “These business owners have hearts of gold.”
As the fundraiser has expanded, Junel continues to shift the focus away from himself.
“It isn’t about me,” he says. “I want to highlight the frontline workers who care so selflessly for the community members. This was just one day for me to do my small contribution.”
He hopes his story encourages others to act on the ideas they have for giving back. “If you really want to help an organization, think of something you could do and start the conversation,” he says. “There’s usually someone willing to help move your idea forward.”
Twelve years ago, one idea inspired one person to act. Today, it continues to bring a community together every Boxing Day, reminding us that every act of kindness makes a difference.
Have an idea to support your neighbours in need? We’d love to help you bring it to life. Contact us at events@siloam.ca or call 204-956-4344.
