Founder of the Northern Lights Movement For Kids, Celeste Leray-Leicht, said she felt a strong feeling to continue what she was doing after the Broncos bus crash. 

"As Jacob's mom, it has helped me pour some energy into something positive."

Leray-Leicht's son, Jacob Leicht, was one of the Humboldt Broncos who lost his life in the crash on April 6, 2018. Prior to the crash, she started a penpal relationship with some of the students in her school and students in the elementary school in La Loche. 

"I was looking for ways to build relationships between Indigenous students and non-indigeonus students. I had a lot of hope and confidence in kids. Then we had the accident and I had a strong sense of purpose to keep going with this."

The movement has helped her learn a lot about all the special things that the different Indigenous cultures in Saskatchewan have to offer.

A high school teacher in Humboldt approached her family and asked if she could start a 111 km challenge in June.

"It was so successful that she is now putting on another one called the Summer Snowball 111 km challenge. It started July 11 and will end Agust 11. 11 is a special number because that was Jacobs's number for the Broncos."

Anybody can join in. You can:

  • Run;
  • Walk;
  • Jog;
  • Bike;
  • Paddleboard;
  • Row; and,
  • Swim.

There is no registration and it is free. You just clock in your kms and you can post them on the Northern Lights Movement For Kids Facebook or Twitter page. 

"The whole purpose is to create awareness."

Their hashtags are #Buidlingrelationships, #Makingconnections, #Servingothers, #Kidstrong, and #Believe. 

"I think this is something that people can do while some of the social distancing rules are in place. People are encouraged to invite others to do the challenge with them."

Celeste Leray-Leicht and her family have been walking every day with another Broncos family from the 2017-2018 Broncos team.

"We have got people in Montana, Chicago, Alberta, and so many more places all around joining the challenge."

Anybody of any age or background can join the movement. 

"The Broncos were all very dedicated to physical health and fitness so I think this is very appropriate."

In the Fall they are looking to add others ways to connect through art and music. 

"I encourage everyone to join our group. We are on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram."