Running (and walking) for refugees

The people of Dartmouth continue to come up with plans to raise money for refugee families.

The latest fundraiser involves walking, running or wheeling around the Sportsplex track on Feb. 13.

“We wanted to come up with something that reflects the spirit of Dartmouth,” said relay organizer Margie Vaughan. “And when the Sportsplex offered us the use of their track for free, that sealed the deal.”

Vaughan is a member of Christ Church on Dundas Street.

Christ Church and Friends is the name of their committee.

The idea behind the relay is to provide a fun and meaningful way for people to help out with the Syrian refugee crisis.

“Some people don’t know how or where to go now to help out with the crisis,” said Christ Church’s pastor Rev. Bruce Murray. “So come out on February 13, enjoy the relay and know that you are participating in saving lives in the process.”

How it works is simple.

Show up at the walking track at the Sportsplex anytime from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. that day. Bring a team or bring yourself. There will be volunteers to collect donations. And there may be some musical entertainment.

Organizers are going to book gospel singers and other entertainment for the relay.

They are also bringing some seniors in from local residences to make the trek around the track. Some will be in wheelchairs. Vaughan says she hopes people can pop by on their way home from work, or even before they start in the morning.

“Or maybe Sportsplex staff and members can come up that day, too. There will be plenty of people to cheer you on.”

Already she has teams signed up. “And we know some people are willing to do an hour. But you don’t have to.”

She will have a pedometer on hand for recording laps.

“I know of one child who is having their birthday party at the Sportsplex that day, and they are going to participate in the relay. We can have people of all ages. It is warm inside and can accommodate teams and single participants. The journey from the refugee camp to Dartmouth is 7,300 kilometres, so we are hoping to raise $7,300.”

The committee is encouraging Sportsplex members to pop by the track, go for a walk or run and donate to the cause.

“It doesn’t matter if you wheel, walk or run,” said Vaughan. “Teams can be as few as two people, or you can come by and be a supporter and sponsor a team. Everyone is welcome.”

The group can’t put in an application to sponsor a family until they have about $16,000, which is half of what is required to sponsor a family for a year.

“We hope to raise the $16,000 by the end of February,” said Vaughan.

Christ Church and Friends are asking for volunteers to take part in the event. Volunteers should let Margie Vaughan know when they can come to the track.

Sponsors are needed who will donate $5 or more to support the efforts of the team of their choice. Their names and mailing addresses will be placed on a sponsor list so that official tax receipts can be sent to them.

All cheques should be made out to the Corporation of Christ Church re: Refugee Fund. Any donations of $20 or more will receive a tax receipt. Cash donations will also be accepted during the event.

For more information, contact Margie Vaughan at [email protected], or call 902-463-1982.