Josh Smith always had a dream to walk in the Goodlife Fitness Victoria Marathon 8K road race, but fear always got in the way.
Smith had tried at least twice to complete the race only to be beset with fear and anxiety.
But last year with the help of Lifetime Networks support workers Alex and Steph Saunders, he accomplished his goal with a smile on his face.
Saanich-based Lifetime Networks is a support group for people with disabilities and is one of 22 charities that participates in the marathon every year. Last year, Lifetime Networks raised more than $20,000 from the marathon through active participation and pledges.
The Goodlife Fitness Victoria Marathon, which features four races, is coming up in October, but the annual pledge program has already started. The idea is to raise awareness and money for the participating charities by encouraging individuals to either walk or run for a charity while collecting pledges.
Individuals can sign up at runvictoria.com to become part of an organization’s team.
Over the last nine years, the program has raised more than $1 million for Victoria charities.
Carlene Thompson, finance and fund development director for Lifetime Networks, said the partnership with the marathon and charity is a win-win scenario.
The need for services is really growing and the need for creative services is really growing due to provincial government funding cutbacks.
“The marathon is so important for us. It is how we fund our bursary and scholarships, and we leverage our funding through it,” Thompson said.
“The biggest part for us is the opportunity for the participants to be in such a great community event. It’s great experience for any of the charities that get involved.”
Alex Saunders, who coached Smith through the 8K road race, said it can be a life-changing experience, too.
“It’s extremely rewarding. It shows that with perseverance and with training we were able to defeat (Alex’s) fears. It showed when we put our best foot forward, we can accomplish our goals.”
klaird@vicnews.com
2014 charities:
1. Arthritis Society
2. B.C. Cancer Foundation
3. B.C. Children’s Hospital Foundation
4. Canadian Diabetes Association
5. Every Step Counts
6. Headway – Victoria Epilepsy and Parkinson’s Centre
7. Help Fill A Dream Foundation
8. James Bay Community Project
9. KidSport Greater Victoria
10. Lifetime Networks
11. Mount St. Mary Hospital Foundation
12. MOVE Adapted Fitness and Rehabilitation Society of B.C.
13. MS Society of Canada
14. NEED2 Suicide Prevention Education & Support
15. Oaklands Community Centre
16. Pacific Centre Family Services Association
17. Parent Project Muscular Dystrophy
18. Phoenix Human Services Association
19. Times Colonist Raise a Reader
20. Recreation Integration Victoria
21. USC Canada (Run for Biodiversity)
22. Young Parents Support Network
