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Event Interfaith Social Service hosts South Shore Walk and 5K Race

Braintree Forum - 6/2/2017

Interfaith Social Services recently hosted its 43rd Annual South Shore Walk & 5K Race to raise funding for those in need of treatment for mental illness and addiction. Hundreds of people attended and raised a record setting $35,000 for the organization.

The phrase "Stop the Stigma" was printed on almost all available surfaces at the event, from T-shirts to signs. The 5K and family fun festivities afterward all focused on supporting community members affected by mental illness and addiction.

"It is shameful that there are stigmas associated with addiction, depression and other mental health issues," said Rick Doane, executive director of Interfaith Social Services. "People talk openly about their struggles with ailments like diabetes and cancer. However, many keep mental illness under wraps. This race gives us an opportunity to proclaim that there is no shame in mental illness. We walk, run and rally with family, friends and others to show those who are suffering that they can hold their heads high, their community stands with them."

The 5K race followed a scenic and challenging course through Quincy's Squantum neighborhood. The Boston skyline and Dorchester Bay served as a picturesque backdrop for the course, which started and ended at The Kennedy Center in Quincy.

After the runners and walkers finished the race they enjoyed a Family Fun Celebration at The Kennedy Center. The festivities included a kids' Fun Run, raffles, music, a bounce house, air brush tattoos and more. The New England Revolution Battalion, WROR 105.7 and Dave & Busters provided additional games and prizes. Local restaurants, Unchained Pizza and Balducci's House of Pizza, provided lunch to all participants. Everyone also enjoyed frozen treats from New England Ice Cream. Runners relaxed with a neck and shoulder massage from Body Benefit Massage Therapy.

"For seven decades we have been reaching out to families in need," said director Doane. "Our New Directions Counseling Center is our oldest program. The Center is a safety net to make sure that anyone who needs it can receive care regardless of their ability to pay. Interfaith was founded when the South Shore was facing a crisis. Thousands of people were losing their jobs as the shipyards decreased production after World War II. Today our community is facing a different kind of crisis. Addiction has robbed our community of too many people; it has harmed too many families. During our 5K the community stood together and said to our friends and loved ones who are suffering, 'there is nothing wrong with reaching out for help'."

For more information, or to donate, visit http://InterfaithSocialServices.org.