The November Project Winnipeg is hosting its eighth race in support of The Dream Factory which helps kids with life-threatening illnesses experience their dreams.

On Sunday, February 5 the Great Skate 8.0 will take place. It's a free event hosted by November Project Winnipeg where people can register to participate in a six-kilometre race at the Nestaweya River Trail at the Forks. There is also a kid's race beforehand.

The November Project (NP) is a global non-profit that encourages movement and community building. Willie MacDonald is one of the co-leaders for the Winnipeg division, which is entering its 10th year of engagement with the city.

Karly Tardiff, the fundraising and marketing manager at The Dream Factory says that they have supported over 900 Manitoba families. They are expecting this year to be one of the biggest dream years on record because their follower base has grown and working with other organizations, like NP Winnipeg, has helped spread the message of their organization. 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by The Dream Factory (@thedreamfactorymb)

Participants also have the opportunity to fundraise and donate to The Dream Factory, which will put the funds toward fulfilling Eli's dream of riding the most extravagant rollercoaster, PortAventura, in Tarragona, Spain.

NP Winnipeg is also selling face buffs, where all proceeds will go towards Eli's dream.

Eli has Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome, which makes his joints very bendy and prone to injury, like dislocations or tears, it also causes fatigue. Eli's mom and brother also have this condition. The goal for this event is to raise $2000, with just over 19 days left to reach it.

Even though the Great Skate is taking place at 7:30 a.m. at The Forks, people can participate wherever and however they like. MacDonald says that no skates are required, people can run along the bank of the river, on their street, on a treadmill, or skate on an ice rink near their house. They don't want people to be limited to skating only, so anyone and everyone can participate in whatever way they please, which is something new they are doing this year. 

Registration and kit pick-up will be inside The Common (The Forks Market) and participants will be guided from there.

For more information about how to register, donate and the schedule, visit the Great Skate website.