It will take more than being confined to a wheelchair to keep Willie Lam from participating as a “Marythoner” at the upcoming GoodLife Fitness Victoria Marathon.
Lam, also known as Survivor Willie because he has survived a lot in his life, has been confined to an electrical wheelchair since he slipped, fell and sustained a brain injury 22 years ago. While he is mobility challenged, his spirit and sense of volunteerism have endured. Disappointed that electrical wheelchairs were not allowed on the race route, he still wanted to be part of the Mount St. Mary Hospital Foundation’s team, the Mount St. Marythoners who will walk and run the race.
He just had to find another way.
Three years ago, the Vietnam war survivor came up with a viable option, to travel the official distance — but broken down in segments. So every week, for eight to 10 weeks leading up to the actual race, he rolls his wheelchair out on a marked course. He keeps at it until he completes the official 42.2 kilometres that make up a marathon.
On Friday the 53-year-old will cross his very own finish line for the second time (he missed last year) with Rob Reid, owner of Frontrunners, by his side and a representative from the GoodLife Fitness Victoria Marathon waiting at the end to recognize and celebrate his feat.
His personal achievement supports the Mount St. Mary Hospital Marythoners, who fundraise for the hospital in the marathon. The team have been running, walking and raising money for the residents of the hospital since 2006. This year there are 40 members in the team, from five to 85 years old. They hope to raise $25,000 to make life easier for the 200 residents of the hospital who, like Lam, require complex care and/or palliative needs. In total they have raised over $316,000 in donations and pledges.
People are encouraged to pledge or donate to support his endeavour. They can also come to cheer and celebrate his accomplishment.
Lam will cross his very own finish line at 11 a.m. Friday, on the grounds of the hospital, 861 Fairfield Rd. For more information, go to msmfoundation.ca.
Raising awareness of elephants’ plight
A local photographer, modern-day explorer and elephant guardian angel is hosting a exhibit to raise awareness about the crises facing elephants and rhinos on Saturday. The opening of the exhibit coincides with World Animal Day.
Dag Goering, founder of Elephant Earth, will be showing a new incarnation of Elephant Enigma, an exhibit that has been shown to great acclaim across North America, Europe and Asia for the last five years. His photographs of the great beasts are meant to inspire through wonderment.
“I want to let viewers experience the beauty and magnificence of these amazing creatures,” said Goering, a veterinarian. “Anyone who gets a real sense of elephants simply cannot stand by while they go extinct.”
Elephant Earth has been endorsed by the Dalai Lama for its work on elephant conservation and welfare. To date, the Victoria-based non-profit organization has raised close to $70,000. Proceeds fund community anti-poaching programs in Kenya and Thailand, among others.
Unrelenting demand for ivory has caused elephants to be slaughtered at a rate of about one every 15 minutes. If the pace continues, the world’s largest land mammal could be extinct in little more than a decade.
The exhibition runs 4 to 6 p.m. at Dales Gallery, 537 Fisgard St. A candlelight vigil will follow the event. For more information, go to elephantearth.org or on Facebook.
Fundraiser a chance to meet Olympic hero
Meet Simon Whitfield at Transformations, a fundraiser that supports Every Step Counts, a walking and running program for people facing challenges, on Wednesday.
This is the sixth year of the annual event, which features food, drinks, silent auction, music and a roving magician. The highlight of the evening is a fireside chat between CHEK’s Jeff Kind and four-time Olympian Whitfield.
Every Step Counts, a program administered by Victoria Cool Aid and funded by the Victoria Foundation, offers a vital therapeutic physical fitness program to people facing challenges with poverty, addiction, mental health and social isolation.
Tickets are $70. The event runs 6 to 9 p.m. at the Atrium, 800 Yates St. For tickets visit coolaid.org or 250-882-5261.
Kids’ charity facing strike shortfall
A local charity that relies on the proceeds from school team entries in the Thrifty Foods Kids Run are hoping registrations will recover from the recent teachers’ strike.
Every year, families of about 900 children who can’t afford registration fees to participate in sports get funding from KidSport Victoria. The charity makes it possible for kids to sign up for baseball, soccer, hockey, lacrosse, football, swimming, gymnastics, karate, basketball, figure skating, water-polo, triathlon and track and field.
But the strike has put a damper on school team entries, which are down about 25 per cent from last year.
The School Teams program sees the school with the greatest number of registrations receive a $1,000 cash prize. Last year’s event was a record, with 1,300 children running the 1.25-km race, part of the GoodLife Fitness Victoria Marathon event next month.
Since its inception, KidSport Victoria has funded more than 6,000 local children in need, at a cost of more than $1.25 million.
For more information, go to runvictoriamarathon.com or kidsportvictoria.ca.
Benefit concert to aid spiritual society
The Queenswood Holistic Healing and Spiritual Society is holding a benefit concert and celebration to launch a new phase of the facility on Friday.
The society’s vision is one of inclusivity of all religions and cultures, fostering wholeness and empowerment. The new development will include all levels of Reiki educational training and ongoing support programs.
The benefit concert includes music, dance and poetry.
“We are inspired by the growing interest in spirituality and healing and we warmly invite the public as well as longtime friends of the former Queenswood to join us for this special benefit concert evening where we will share our vision for going forward,” said Sister Eileen Curteis, society co-founder and board director.
Tickets are $25. The event runs 7 to 9:30 p.m. at the Cadboro Bay United Church, 2526 Arbutus Rd. For more information, go to queenswoodholistichealing.ca.
Volunteers needed for GoodLife marathon
The GoodLife Fitness Victoria Marathon still needs volunteers to fill a variety of areas, with only two weeks to go before the event.
Organizers are looking for race-day volunteers, individuals for the race expo and assisting with course setup. The annual event, now in its 35th year, requires 1,600 volunteers to ensure the event is run smoothly and efficiently.
“We are looking for teams of people, including students as well as individuals to play a part of the event on race day,” said Cathy Noel, general manager. “We couldn't host this event without the incredible support of a volunteer crew.”
Volunteers receive a long-sleeved New Balance technical T-shirt and an appreciation evening at a Victoria Royals game. For more information, go to runvictoriamarathon.com.
You can help out with Halloween Spooktacular
The Quadra Village Community Centre is issuing a call to the community to ensure its Halloween Spooktacular is a scream for the community.
The event, held Oct. 31, is geared to appeal to all ages with a spooky combination of carnival games, Halloween movies and hauntings that will take place on both floors of the centre. But with 20 rooms to decorate, the organization is looking for business, family, service group or clubs to take on decorating a room. People can either help decorate or donate.
Please contact Jennifer Tully at jennifer@quadravillagecc.com, 250-388-7696 ext. 224 or go to quadravillagecc.com.
Ride for Refuge aids community services
People are encouraged to ride with, support, sponsor or cheer on the Gap Foundations Cruisers at their fundraising cycling campaign on Saturday.
Blue Sea Philanthropy is sponsoring the Ride for Refuge in about 30 communities across Canada. About 80 per cent of the funds go toward the team’s charity of choice. In Victoria they include the Mustard Seed, Youth for Christ Victoria, the Community Youth — Esquimalt, and the Cridge Centre for the Family.
People can choose between 10, 20 and 50-km routes.
Organizers are still in need of equipment repairs and upgrades, donors, sponsors, supporters and donations of snacks to feed riders.
On-site registration starts at 8 a.m. on Oct. 4 at the Saanich Community Church, 4566 West Saanich Rd. For more information, email gapcontact@shaw.ca
Busy week at St. Luke’s
St. Luke’s Church will be a busy place this week with a trio of events. The first Friday of every month is their Fantastic Friday, with free dinner, games, art, theatre and group projects. It runs 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. in the church hall.
On Sunday it is the Blessing of the Animals Service, when people can bring their pets for a blessing. It starts at 9:15 a.m. At 2:30 p.m. there will be a benefit concert: Music for a While — from Purcell to McCartney, with performances by Rachel Mitten, Erika Pryer, Beth Buono and the Camosack Double Reed Woodwind Quartet. Suggested admission $15. Proceeds to St. Luke’s Choral Scholars Fund. All events at St. Luke’s Church, corner of Cedar Hill Cross Road and Cedar Hill Road. For more information, call 250-477-6741 or go to stlukesvictoria.ca.
