Thursday, January 14, 2010

A Great Way to Help Haiti



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Haiti needs us now more then ever...

On Saturday, January 16th, 2010 a Canadian team of volunteers was to hold the second annual Marathon de la Soliderite road race in Haiti. This unique project was to bring a day of celebration to Cap Haitians in an effort to bolster community pride and awareness back home on the plight of the Haiti people. Hours before our team was to descend on Cap Haitian, the earthquake hit. Communications were spotty at first and we were asked to continue with our journey. As the news worsened we decided we would not fly in. We thought we would only deplete the limited resources available to Haitians by being there. Now is the time when international emergence forces are needed most to deliver immediate needs. Our team has decided to push forward with our long term sustainability projects because now more then ever Haiti needs our help.

Running Free and Runners Den, two independent southern Ontario running shops have decided to unite for our Haitian neighbours. On Saturday, January 30th we both will be holding simultaneous events in Toronto and Hamilton in an effort to raise funds for long term projects in Haiti. We are naming the event after what was to have been the Marathon de la Soliderite. HAITI – TRAINING FOR SOLIDARITY will be a day the running community to come together for an up to 20km training run in support of our friends in Haiti. This will be a “pay what you can” event. Running Free and Runners Den will provide the venue, commemorative bib’s, food and support on the course. Pace bunnies will be available to guide 10- 20km training runs at paces from 4:30/km up to 6:00/km. This will be a great opportunity to enjoy a paced training run and support this very worth while cause. Let show our neighbours to the south we are thinking of them in this time of need.

All donors will receive a commemorative bib #, sponsor goodies, coffee, refreshments and snacks. This is a “pay what you can” event. Donations can also be made by calling our Running Free Markham location at 905.477.7871.

Toronto Event
Saturday January 30, 2010 – 9:00am registration
# Palais Royal
# 1601 Lake Shore Boulevard West
# Toronto, Ontario, M6K 3C1
# www.palaisroyale.ca
(The Palais Royal has graciously donated their beautiful facility for this event without hesitation - We thank them for this incredibly honourable gesture)

Training run will take place on Toronto’s waterfront trail. Please email Nick Capra at missionhaiti@runningfree.com for more information.

Hamilton Event
Saturday January 30, 2010 – 9:00am registration
# Westdale High School (Main & Longwood)

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