Tanner Saunders hopes to ignite the spirit of giving a month before Christmas.
The Maple Ridge actor is busy organizing a run to benefit the Friends in Need Food Bank in Maple Ridge.
For him, it's about leading by example.
The 11-year-old has already taken part in two other charity events this year. In June, he ran the 10 kilometre Ridge Meadows Hospital Fund Run, and in September he raised money for Paws for a Cause.
"There's lots of charity runs, but none for the food bank," says Saunders, explaining why he picked the food bank as a charity to help.
"My mom and me are runners, so we were looking for run in Maple Ridge and there was none at this time of year."
So far 32 people have signed up for Friday's event. Saunders hopes to have at least 40 runners.
He's been juggling organizing the run between auditions and school. Though he's only been acting for one year, Saunders is already seeing success. He appears in the pilot episode for 'Red Widow' which will air on ABC in January and has been cast in a TV movie called 'A Moment In Time' which will air on the Lifetime Channel.
He hopes others are inspired to make a difference.
"I am hoping that I reach my goal and that nobody goes hungry at Christmas," he says.
• The Feed Maple Ridge run takes place at 10 a.m. on Saturday, Nov. 17 at Alouette Elementary School, 22155 Isaac Cres.You can sign up for 2.5K or 5K run or walk. Runners must be registered by Nov. 15. For registration information, visit Tanner Saunders Facebook page or register at the Running Room.