The team at the Australian Indigenous Leadership Centre know just how important it is walk the talk when it comes to being a healthy role model and now they are putting their money where their mouth is.
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Ten runners from AILC are set take part in the 2014 Canberra Times Fun Run, presented by Westpac, on September 7.
AILC chief executive Rachelle Towart said the organisation was committed to providing a healthy workplace for staff.
"We've committed to and have a 100 per cent smoke-free workplace... but we also want to make a commitment that leadership isn't just about doing it in words but also being role models to other people and we've got to walk to talk," she said.
AILC is Australia's only national provider of accredited indigenous leadership programs and has transformed the lives of more than 1000 graduates since it was established in 2001, Ms Towart said.
But participating in the Canberra Times Fun Run is about more than just promoting a healthy message and it is also the team's way of showing support for the Westpac Foundation which awarded AILC $10,000 this year through its community grants program.
The Westpac Foundation, a charitable trust which invests in creating a sustainable social enterprise in disadvantaged communities - is Westpac's chosen charity for The Canberra Times Fun Run. There will be giant novelty hands along the course and for each high-five received by runners on the day, Westpac will donate $1 to the foundation.
"We've been supported by Westpac for a long time now and without them, we probably wouldn't be here today and that's not necessarily just a financial contribution, it's the in-kind support we get," Ms Towart said.
Ms Towart said the grant had meant AILC could progress the level of training provided and enable them to reach more people.
Ms Towart was also awarded a Westpac Community Leaders Award in 2013 and is the face of this year's awards program. The program recognises the efforts of outstanding contributors to the not for profit sector.
Ms Towart said the team of runners had been training hard before the Canberra Times Fun Run next month. It is the first time AILC has entered a corporate team.
"We train at lunch time - we're lucky to be on the same road as the zoo so we've got pretty good running tracks around," she said.
"We're taking it pretty seriously and there will definitely be competition amongst the team."
Registrations are now open for the event's 14-kilometre, 10-kilometre and five-kilometre courses. Register at canberratimesfunrun.com.au.
