Chris Stanger proudly led the Wounded Warriors team into the Town of Qualicum Beach.
The chief utility operator for the town completed part of the relay on the fifth day of the Wounded Warrior Run BC that started from The Old House Hotel in Courtenay early Thursday morning (Feb. 29) and made their way to Port Alberni.
The team made stops at the Bowser Royal Canadian Legion Branch 211, the Bowser Elementary School and Qualicum Beach Royal Canadian Legion Branch 76 at noon where they were treated with hot soup and sandwiches before heading to Port Alberni.
This is Stanger’s second year to take part in the annual run that raises funds and awareness for Wounded Warriors Canada to help veterans and first responders who are dealing with post-traumatic stress disorders and operational stress injuries.
Stanger is also a volunteer firefighter for the Qualicum Beach Fire Department and Courtenay Volunteer Fire Department.
READ MORE: Wounded Warrior Run making tracks down Vancouver Island
“It’s been fantastic to be part of this organization, helping and hearing some of the stories and some of the struggles of people that went through it and know they want to help this people, through no fault of their own, get over this occupational stress injury,” said Stanger. “It’s really nice to be part of it again, raising funds and awareness for Wounded Warriors.”
The Wounded Warriors began in Port Hardy Sunday, Feb. 25, and will conclude their run March 3 in Victoria. There’s eight runners taking part in the relay-style challenge that will cover 800 kilometres in eight consecutive days.
The goal this year is to raise $250,000. To date they’re about to reach the $100,000 mark.
The team will be at the Parksville Royal Canadian Legion Branch 49 on Friday morning and will leave their at 9:45 a.m. and head to the Lantzville Royal Canadian Legion Branch 257 at 1 p.m., Nanaimo Royal Canadian Legion Branch 10 at 3 p.m. and finishing the day at the Nanaimo Royal Canadian Legion Branch 256.
Anyone wishing to donate can go online at https://woundedwarriorrunbc.ca/