Fun Run/Walk for Haiti returns Oct. 17
FERGUS – St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church is calling all running enthusiasts and avid walkers for its annual five kilometre Fun Run/Walk for Haiti.
On Oct. 17 at 9am, shoes will hit the pavement leaving from the church on St. George Street.
This is the big fundraiser of the year that Haitians Educated and Ready to Serve (HEARTS) of St. Andrews hosts to raise funds which support children going to school in Haiti.
St. Andrew’s HEARTS has partnered with and supported four schools in the Cap-Haitien region of Haiti collectively for close to 25 years.
In a nation where there is no public education and great poverty, a history of natural disasters and gang violence, it means so much to children, teens and their communities for school to be a real opportunity.
Amongst these four grass-roots private schools, there are about 2,200 students who have their tuition covered through HEARTS fundraising.
The Haitian teachers and administrative staff are paid salaries, and school curriculum and food programs are provided “thanks to our community’s generous support,” states Daphne Neerhof in a press release.
Joining this year’s run/walk in Fergus will be the principal and pastor of Institution Centre d’Espoir du Pays (ICEP) school in Cap-Haitien, Vilmer Paul.
“He comes with wife, Sara Paul who is the school administrator, and it is a privilege to have direct beneficiaries present on this occasion who may share a few words,” Neerhof continued.
This year’s route includes the Elora Cataract trail and neighbourhoods around Kirvan park with a return to the church.
Participants will be visible to the public wearing the HEARTS event T-shirt, and prizes will be given out to the top male and female runners, as well as the top three fundraisers.
Previous participants have remarked on how friendly the event is and enjoyable to do as a family or as a group of friends.
A complimentary brunch always awaits those who cross the finish line.
“We would love to see you on Oct. 17, and if you cannot join us, please consider sponsoring a runner or walker,” Neerhof says.
“The registration fee is $20 unless you have raised over $40.”
To register, donate or for more information visit standrewsfergus.com/haiti.
