March 08, 2013
Victoria, BC– Yana Hempler, a recent graduate of the Bachelor of Commerce Program at Peter B. Gustavson School of Business is planning to run an ultra-marathon of 495km to raise funds for the BC SPCA, Recreation Integration Victoria and The Mustard Seed. The ‘Run for their Lives” is a compassionate journey, the length of Vancouver Island beginning on May 20, 2013 in front of the Port Hardy town hall. This leaves Hempler just a few weeks to kick-off the fundraising, planning and training required to complete the ambitious trip. The goal is to raise as much money as possible to split equally between the three charities.
“I am extremely passionate about fitness and helping others. I train very hard and I see this run as an opportunity to use my passion to help three great community organizations and make a difference in the lives of people and animals that need a helping hand,” stated Yana Hempler.
Running since the age of 11, it’s safe to say that running is indeed in Hempler’s blood. She competed at the provincial championships in high school and earned the female athlete of the year distinction in grade 12. A foot injury and subsequent weight gain took away her hopes of being on the University of Victoria’s Cross Country Running team; however after a complete recovery and weight loss through a disciplined training regimen, she is ready and eager to accomplish great things in running. Hempler has also completed her certification as a personal trainer and authors several blogs on fitness, training, beauty and health.
“I’ve been looking forward to this run ever since I first began my recovery earlier in 2011,” said Hempler. “The fundraising success of this run means a lot to me, but is invaluable to help these organizations who make a difference in the lives of others.”
The success of this run depends on the generosity of the community and the compassion of caring people from all walks of life. Corporate sponsorships as well as individual donations are encouraged to help make it a success. Individuals can donate online HERE
Corporate sponsors may contact Hempler directly to find out about the benefits of becoming an event sponsor.
About BC SPCA:
The BC SPCA’s mission is to eliminate cruelty to animals in addition to protecting and enhancing their quality of life. The BC SPCA has locating all over British Columbia and ensures that domestic, farm and wild animals are given the gift of comfort, safety and security. Every year, the BC SPCA finds homes for over 19,000 of abandoned animals. For more information, visit http://www.spca.bc.ca.
About Recreation Integration Victoria:
Recreation Integration Victoria aims to facilitate active and healthy lifestyles for people with disabilities. Participation in recreation and leisure activities is vital for quality of life and people with disabilities have the right to that opportunity just like everyone else. Being able to feel like you are part of the community and participate in activities that you like is a very important factor in the quality of one’s life. For more information visit http://www.rivonline.org.
About Mustard Seed Food Bank:
The Mustard Seed has been helping people living in poverty since 1975. The programs and services of The Mustard Seed are 100 per cent community-funded and include Vancouver Island’s largest food bank, counseling, advocacy and outreach services, a drop-in centre with a coffee shop, clothing bank, haircuts, nursing and chapel, a family centre with life skills programs and an addictions recovery program at Hope Farm Healing Centre. The Mustard Seed relies on approximately 40 volunteers per day to serve those in need. For more information visit http://mustardseed.ca/.
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Contacts:
Yana Hempler email: yhempler@uvic.ca
BC SPCA: Lorie Chortyk ph: 1-800-665-1868 email: lchortyk@spca.bc.ca
Recreation Integration Victoria: Doug Nutting ph: 250-477-6314 ext 11 email: dnutting@rivonline.org
The Mustard Seed: Christine Gleed ph: 250-857-7517 email: christine@mouthpiece.ca