December 14th will see the Kermode Friendship Society put on an event for the first time and as illustrated by their Executive Director, Charmaine Anderson, they’re looking to raise money with the intention of putting themselves in a better position to help people;
“We are hosting our first ever walk and run fundraiser for the homeless and the people out on the streets.”
The Warm Hearts Winter Run is set to begin at 11 in the morning and last until 2 in the afternoon and will be located at what was once known as the Grand Trunk Pathway.
The total distance that participants will be travelling is 5 Kilometres and the Society will offer Christmas themed items to anyone who wants to wear them.
Anderson also explained where the idea to put on this event came from;
“My husband’s a very avid runner, he is part of the Skeena Valley Run Club. Last year there was a Make-A-Wish Foundation fun run where you sent in your registration and you got a free Santa suit. He spearheaded that last year. So we were having a conversation where I asked, are you doing it again this year? And he wanted to focus on something local, so the funds stay within our community. He said he would support us if we wanted to do it and maybe put it towards a program within Kermode.”
People can register for the event online beforehand up until December 12th on a website called Trackie where it costs $30 to enter on your own, $50 to enter a family of up to 4 people and $100 to enter an organization.
It will also be possible to register the day of the event for those who make their way to it.
Donations of items like socks and mitts will also be accepted and food like cookies, hot chocolate and candy canes will be waiting for those who cross the finish line.