REGINA - Brandon McIvor has created a new run club dedicated to dads.
The idea for came from "[starting to] venture into parenthood, [which can be] one of those things where people can get isolated.," he said.
McIvor himself moved to the city around a year ago, starting a new life as a parent with little connections.
"[I didn’t] know exactly who to reach out to, where to reach out to [and] what resources were available to me."
He noticed that newborn moms had a lot of well-promoted support groups in the city, while dads didn't have much.
"[So, I wanted] to bring awareness to the lack of that [support for dads] in our community, hopefully, you know, can bring the people that are feeling [isolated on an island]."
McIvor noted one challenge fathers go through is a sudden change in their lifestyle.
"When you experience your child coming into the world, your perception really changes, and it goes from that individual care to being more focused on providing and caring for somebody else along with yourself."
As a parent, McIvor now takes into consideration his child's needs. However, he emphasized the need for one's self-care, as it can better help a dad take care of their child and their family.
This sparked McIvor to start running again, which he described as great for his mental health.
[Running] gives you that time and space, but it also keeps you accountable [and] keeps you motivated," said McIvor.
Even though mental health is a struggle many face, McIvor believes there is a stigma around men having to act tough.
"There's this whole idea that we don't necessarily speak up as much. it's something that's being brought into, you know, mainstream media, is that like, men's mental health and what can come of that."
As a firefighter himself, McIvor has been exposed to a lot of environments that have changed his perspective.
"I’ve seen bad outcomes but, you know, I've also had some rewarding and good outcomes."
He believes the best thing that came from those experiences was opening up to others, which included his counsellor and friends.
That’s why McIvor hopes to bring together a community full of people to support, which can include anyone, not just dads.
So far, the club hasn’t officially started, but McIvor is receiving support from local organizations.
The Regina Early Years Family Resources Centre heard McIvor's idea, and believed the topic wasn’t being talked about enough.
The centre also has been helping spread the word of McIvor's new club, which he appreciates.
McIvor also received praise for the idea from James Bogusz, Regina Airport Authority (RAA) CEO.
"This support shows validation for this idea," said McIvor.
Once the club starts, McIvor is hoping to meet for weekly sessions, primarily on the weekend.
As for his ambitions with the club, McIvor would eventually like to see a dad’s run, where parents run with their child in a stroller, for example.
McIvor said he would fully support creating the run as a means to donate to a local organization which supports men’s mental health.
