The president of Oceanside Running Club Association, Paul Watson, will be out on the street on Saturday, Aug. 15 for a 21.1-kilometre run.
What makes the run special for Watson is he is doing it for a good cause and he will have daughter Lauren by his side. It will be the first time father and daughter will run this distance together.
In achieving this challenge, Watson aims to raise funds for Haven Society and the Food Bank the two charities ORCA donates to from money generated from the popular annual Mother’s Day 5K and 10K run, which unfortunately was cancelled last May due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
ORCA has issued a virtual challenge to members to individually embark on personal fundraising endeavours to help the charities that lost funding due to the cancellation of the Mother’s Day event.
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Watson is following the footsteps of ORCA member Mary Beil, who set the the bar last June when she raised $1,301. Watson aims to raise at least $1,302.
This year, Watson had planned to run the Vancouver Scotia Bank Half Marathon in April with his daughter Lauren. However, it was cancelled.
This Saturday, Watson will get his wish to run with his daughter. They will be completing the distances on a planned route in Parksville. He is now asking people to support their challenge.
“We’ve been training now for months and want to make a difference for local charities who are suffering because of the pandemic restrictions,” said Watson in his message to friends and families. “Funds raised will go to the Haven Society and the local food bank.”
Watson and his daughter will start their run at 7:30 a.m. on Saturday at Serious Coffee.
To those wishing to help and make a donation. you can make an e-transfer to Watson’s email address rockmn@shaw.ca If you need a question and answer, use “what is your running organization?” – and the answer is Orca. You can also write a check to either charity or both.
For information, contact Watson at 250-951-9049.
