The Reno Kindness Challenge

The Reno Kindness Challenge (RKC) has a mission to inspire people to give love and connect to others through acts of kindness. Our goal is to reduce stigma and bring awareness to mental health and substance-use issues. By giving kindness to others, we create a network of support where we can foster empathy and compassion in our communities.

Our 2023 campaign and fundraiser recipient is Moms Stop the Harm (MSTH): A network of Canadian families impacted by substance-use related harms and deaths. MSTH advocates for a change in failed drug policies and provides peer support to grieving families and those with loved ones who use or have used substances. Their vision is that people who use drugs are not criminalized and that their rights are respected. This non-profit group has our support and we are hoping you will also embrace the mission of MSTH.

We hope to raise the balance of our goal of $24,000 in 2023.

Canada's Overdose Crisis officially began in 2016, when BC declared a public health emergency. Since 2016, more than 30,000 lives have been lost to opioid-related deaths across Canada, devastating families who are left to grieve the loss of their loved ones. Most of these were accidental death and often by fentanyl poisoning. We can make a difference by supporting our loved ones, educating ourselves on substance-use and mental health, reducing stigma so people feel safe to talk about their struggles, and supporting organizations like MSTH that advocate to change failed drug policies. 

In addition to donating to our GoFundMe, we encourage you to participate in The Reno Kindness Challenge! Being kind to others is good for our psychological wellbeing. Research shows that being altruistic stimulates the reward centers of the brain. Compassion and kindness also reduce stress, boost our immune systems, and help reduce negative emotions such as anger, anxiety, and depression. It is a recipe for gratitude and leads to a sense of interconnectedness with others.

The Reno Kindness Challenge was created by Belinda Ruckman in loving memory of her son, Reno Ruckman. Reno's life was tragically taken too soon on August 17, 2019, at the young age of 24 years old from an accidental overdose due to fentanyl poisoning.

Reno was dearly loved by his parents, Jim and Belinda, and brother Riley.

He is missed by all who knew him and we want the immense love we have for Reno to be carried through in our kindness to others. Reno’s spirit will guide our way.