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Opening Doors: Every Step Together
- The Canby Center
- Dec 8
- 2 min read
Christmas in Canby | December 6, 2025
Blue skies greeted the community during a blessed break in the rain this weekend! Together, 119 walkers, joggers, and runners crossed the finish line of the 2025 Christmas in Canby Ugly Sweater 5K. Proceeds from every step went to support The Canby Center. A lively street market, free kids’ activities, and holiday cheer reminded everyone that we’re in this together.
This beloved event is a gift to Canby, brought to life by Vanessa Zimmerman and a circle of friends dedicated to making Christmas in Canby a free, community celebration that strengthens connections while supporting neighbors experiencing need.
“Christmas in Canby wouldn’t exist without help from my friends,” Vanessa shared.
Brittney Hopping, a Canby native, has supported Vanessa’s vision at every step.
Amy Baez, of Fit for Excellence, arranged key 5K details.
Motivated by faith and a love for bringing people together, Vanessa says, “It fills my soul to do outreach for the community. I especially love Christmas—what it means to me because of my faith and how it brings friends and family together.”
We are so thankful for Vanessa, Brittney, Amy, and all the volunteers and supporting businesses who made this year’s celebration possible.
Thanks to their teamwork, the 5K proceeds are helping open doors for clothing, food, education supports, and relational services for youth and families at The Canby Center.
See the full race results here: (link).
Every Step: Together
The race may be over, but our opportunity to journey with youth and families continues!
Discover all you have to offer as a volunteer on our team.
A runner knows that good food powers good results.
At The Canby Center, we are committed to offering nutritious staples like rice and beans to every member who walks through the doors of our no-cost Market.
Make an investment today—a gift in honor of someone who helped you cross a finish line.
Your gift will do more than fill a pantry—we're opening doors to dignity, stability, and possibility.
Thank you, Canby! This Christmas, we know our 350+ member families have good news and great joy because the love of God is being expressed in both words and actions—right here, through neighbors like you.
The Heart of a Monthly Partner
When you become a monthly supporter, you join a circle of people committed to strengthening the wellbeing of youth and families right here in Canby. You help provide a hand up in moments when it matters most. And you become part of the larger story we tell every time a family walks into the Market: we're in this together.
Become a monthly donor today!
Words and photos by Macaela Bennett. Hired in 2020, Macaela is delighted to serve as the Executive Assistant at The Canby Center. She grew up in Canby and holds a BS in Urban and Public Affairs.
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