Kids Running for Kids are busier than ever preparing for their upcoming journey from Williams Lake to BC Children’s Hospital.
Fundraising efforts have nearly doubled the original goal set out by this group of keen runners. The kids themselves have non-stop energy, training at least three times a week and displaying such passion for their objective to help sick kids in B.C.
Last week members of KRFK introduced themselves at the city council meeting. Adriane Kennedy, Gabrielle Pierce, and Jaxon Passeri touched the hearts of council in their Powerpoint presentation explaining the purpose of KRFK. Mayor Kerry Cook and council were impressed with the group’s progress and commended them for being good ambassadors of Williams Lake.
Many youth in the Cariboo lounge on Sunday mornings, but not this group. You can find the 60-plus members of KRFK at the Williams Lake Secondary School track every Sunday morning, training for covering the kilometres between Williams Lake and Vancouver.
The group uses a walk-to-run program similar to that of KidSport. Just when you’d think they’ve shown enough exertion rounding the track, the group then move on to sprinting.
Sunday mornings not only focus on physical training; it is important for the families involved to become a team. The group end their sessions by playing various icebreaker games to get to know each other better. Soon, they will be spending eight days together travelling and camping in communities from Williams Lake south.
The group had initially planned on running relay style on the actual highways from Williams Lake to BC Children’s Hospital. After much deliberation and remembering our main concern — safety — the executive has decided to revamp the original route.
Instead of occupying the busy highways and uncontrollable factors involved, the group will run just as many kilometers, if not more, by setting up in communities along the route.
KRFK will partake in the Williams Lake Stampede Parade, and then arrange at the WLSS track for the afternoon.
There the runners will run the track while KRFK family members and helpers will have booths set up.
July 1 the group will join the 108 Heritage Site Canada Day Celebrations, running the lakeside trails. Similar running tracks and displays are being confirmed along the itinerary. All the while, mileage run will be recorded and tallied until the group reaches the hospital.
The athletes will have more opportunity to run further each day and will bring much more awareness and community involvement. We suspect the total kilometres run will surpass the original plan. We thank our donors for understanding our change of plans, though keeping our main goal of raising funds to the hospital a number one priority.
As the weeks progress until KRFK hit the road, they will be more visible. This weekend, a KRFK family is joining the World of Wheels Car Show spreading the mission in Peachland.
On Saturday, May 26 the group is having a garage sale at Mountview Elementary School. There will be a concession with hot dogs, drinks and goodies, as well as a table for buying baked goods.
Tables are $15 each or two for $25 and can be booked by contacting Carrie Knox at 250-392-7449 or carrieknox@shaw.ca. If you have unwanted items you would like to donate to the sale items will be accepted at the school on Friday, May 25 from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m.
Again, KRFK wishes to thank the Cariboo for such generous support thus far.
The group is determined to make a big statement in the province and cannot do this without your assistance. If you can help KRFK in their journey, please e-mail kidsrunningforkids@gmail.com or read more at www.bchf.ca/kidsrunningforkids.