Over $400,000 raised for charity at the 2016 BMO Vancouver Marathon
Nearly 750 Run4Hope charity runners supported 40 charitable organizations
Vancouver, BC – June 16, 2016 –
Run4Hope runners stepped up and raised over $400,000 for charity at the latest BMO Vancouver Marathon on May 1, 2016. Since starting the program in 1996, the non-profit Vancouver International Marathon Society has in fact helped runners raise more than $14.6 million for local and national charities.
Run4Hope charity runners raised an amazing $379,475 through 40 participating charities this year, while online donations of $26,729 brought the total amount raised by runners for charity to $406,204.
“There are no words to describe how incredible these charity runners are,” says Graeme White, new Executive Director of the Vancouver International Marathon Society, organizers of the event annually in May. “We’re very proud that the BMO Vancouver Marathon brings together so many engaged organizations and runners to create a better future for all.”
With goals to raise funds for social impact and community good, plus foster a spirit of community celebration, the Run4Hope program increased its charity options 33% this year to include 40 different national and community charities.
Vicki Schuerger from Coral Springs, Florida was 2016’s top individual fundraiser raising a total of $9,000 dollars for the Leukemia and Lymphona Society.
“I love the team aspect,” says Schuerger. “Even if you’re running solo from an outside town, unknown ‘team-mates’ will send shout-outs or start running next to you, helping to spread the positive energy that surrounds this event. Suddenly you are part of a much bigger picture.”
“As a mother of a young adult cancer survivor, I dream of the day when no parent, or child ever has to hear those words, you have cancer!” adds Schuerger, noting the Run4Hope platform provides a great venue to create awareness. “Fundraising is a way I can participate in making that dream come true for so many.”
“After participating in endurance events for the past eight years, I have to say this was the best event I have ever done. The course scenery, the event staff, the organization and the Finish Line – it was just perfect! … I enjoyed it so much, I have already signed up for 2017”
Ken Shigematsu was also an exemplary runner as he raised $5,740 for World Vision.
In addition to helping raise charitable funds, charities are crucial in supplying some of the 4,000 volunteers that are needed to make race weekend a true success.
“Thank you to the incredible efforts to all involved in our charity program,” concludes White. “From charities and charity runners to supporters, we are extremely proud of everyone involved.”
The Run4Hope program will now continue with the Society’s two other local events, the Granville Island Turkey Trot – which has a theme of ‘Run & Give’ over Thanksgiving weekend in October – and the Fall Classic Run at UBC in mid-November.
