Meet Anna Von Frances, founder and director of Pink Mafia, creator of GirlFight, and outspoken advocate for the women and children at Nellie’s. 

Is this your first race?

Yes Ma’am

Why are you running for Nellie’s?

Because I really want to help raise money for the new shelter which is desperately needed.

How long have you been running for?

On and off for years, but seriously (i.e. regularly) for just over a year

Where is your favourite place to run?

The ravine-it’s Toronto’s best kept secret

What message do you have for the women & children at Nellie’s?

This is a tough one. Truthfully, I’ve learned a lot more from the women at Nellie’s than they’re ever going to learn from me. This run is a great way to challenge myself and give back to a great charity at the same time. I guess a “thank you” would be appropriate.

What is your power song?

Anything I can sing along to. I monitor my breathing by singing (poorly), but when I really need to kick it up a notch “Power” by Kanye West never fails me.

Can you share a quote that keeps you motivated?

Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness that most frightens us. We ask ourselves, Who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, fabulous? Actually, who are you not to be? You are a child of God. Your playing small does not serve the world. There is nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people won’t feel insecure around you.  And as we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same. As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others.”
-Marianne Williamson

Join Anna this October at the Toronto Waterfront Marathon. Call 416-461-0769 or e-mail info@nellies.org for details!   If you can’t join us, you can sponsor our team by clicking here. 

Meet Patti Shaughnessy, Nellie’s Volunteer and long-distance walker.

Is this your first race?

No

Why are you walking for Nellie’s?

After many years of admiring what Nellie’s s provides for the women and children in their care, I became a volunteer in November of last year and can say with certainty, it is one of the best decisions of my life. I’ve seen first-hand what amazing programs and services they provide and will continue to support them in any way as long as I can.

How long have you been walking long-distance for?

I’ve been a long distance walker for many years but stepped it up a couple of years ago when training for a two day 60 km walk.

Where is your favourite place to walk?

Stanley Park sea wall in Vancouver

What message do you have for the women and children at Nellie’s?

I would like the women and children to know that there is an end to the abuse and violence they suffer now that they are on the road to finding a better life through Nellie’s care and direction. I am so thankful that I was able to become a strong independent person (in large part thanks to my mother) after living in an abusive household during my childhood. It will get better one day at a time.

What is your power song?

My power song is ‘Find the Strength Within’ by Full Blown Chaos.

Join Patti this October at the Toronto Waterfront Marathon. Call 416-461-0769 or e-mail info@nellies.org for details.  If you can’t join us, you can sponsor our team by clicking here.