Sixty kids from Williams Lake through Maple Ridge and Pitt Meadows on Friday on an eight day journey to raise money for B.C. Children's Hospital.
The group called "Kids Running For Kids" left Williams Lake on Canada Day and stopped at communities along the way to spread their message.
"Many children in our group have used Children's Hospital and continue to use it for regular treatments and check ups," says organizer Liselle Pierce.
"We know the importance of good health and feel very fortunate that we can participate in activities like hockey, soccer and running. We are inspired to help other children that live with childhood illnesses so they can enjoy the simple pleasures that we do."
The kids have already surpassed their original goal of raising $25,000 and have so far collected $52,000 from friends, family and businesses.
Pierce said the kids started training in April and ran three times a week in order to prepare for their adventure.
Each child will run approximately 5 kilometres a day through communities along the way.
Maple Ridge & Pitt Meadows
• "Kids running for Kids" will begin their morning in Maple Ridge at 8:30 a.m. Friday, July 6 with a send-off from Memorial Peace Park. That will be followed by a six kilometre run from Jerry Sulina Park to Menzies Crossing on Harris Road in Pitt Meadows. From noon to 2 p.m., the Kiwanis Club of Golden Ears will host a barbecue for the team of 150 people at Spirit Square.
Donate
• To donate to their cause, visit www.bcchf.ca/kidsrunningforkids. All money raised along the journey will be matched by CN Rail. Tax receipts available for $20 and over.