FERGUS – St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church in Fergus has modified its HEARTS (Haitians Educated And Ready To Serve) fundraiser to allow the 18th annual 5K event to be held as a virtually this year.
Participants can run, walk or cycle their five kilometres anytime between Oct. 16 and 26, either indoors or outside.
The traditional race route – starting behind James McQueen school on Hill Street West to Beatty Line, onto the Cataract Trail, around Wellington Place and back – is still available to use.
This route map is on the website plus three other routes to choose from.
This year, participants are free to choose one of these routes or their own favourite route if they prefer.
Participants can also complete 5K in the comfort of their own home on a treadmill or stationary bike.
All money raised go to support four schools in the Cap Hatien area of Haiti. There are approximately 1,300 students from nursery school to Grade 10 in the area.
The HEARTS Committee at St. Andrew’s has an annual goal to send $55,000 to aid in feeding and educating the students.
Local food programs provide meals two to three times a week to students. These meals are sometimes the only food a child has that day.
Also, money is used for classroom benches and tables, instructional materials, school uniforms (which are mandated by the government), tuitions fees, teacher and support staff salaries, and scholarships towards further education.
The Fergus event is the biggest fundraiser and raised $9,700 last year.
A big thank you to last year’s sponsors – Dan Allen Financial, Giles Carstar, Grand River Physiotherapy, Lois Eveleigh, D.C., M&M Meats, SVLaw and our wonderful race participants,” organizers state.
Registration
Registration forms can be picked up at the church office at 325 St. George St. W., Fergus, by calling 519-843-3565 or online at standrewsfergus.org.
Friends and family can sponsor participants and receive a tax receipt for donations of $20 or greater.
