VICTORIA'S CHIROS SEND MORE KIDS TO CAMP
Once again, a dedicated group of Victoria Chiropractors and friends participated in the annual BC Lions Society 24-hour Charity Relay run on June 24 and 25. The run, which helps send children with disabilities to Camp Shawnigan, raised 570 thousand dollars. The Victoria Chiropractor “Running Backs” raised $11 thousand of the total pledges received - the 10th highest team total of the 75 participating teams. Their efforts earned them a plaque for the highest amount raised among Public Service teams - an honour bestowed upon them for the second year in a row. The other nine teams with higher pledge amounts had the bonus of corporate backing behind them.
Team captain Dr. Stan Marcus explains the team's fundraising strategies: “As with last year's effort, we enlisted the help of 40 local chiropractors who placed pledge sheets in their offices. Also, many chiropractors donated two dollars per patient visit on June 13, which the local media helped us publicize as “Chiropractors for Kids Day”. This free media coverage was invaluable! As per last year, we also sold raffle tickets for prizes donated by chiropractic suppliers, including the first prize of a Thumper Massager.”
“I was proud of the many local chiropractors that helped support our efforts for both the disabled kids and our profession,” says Marcus. “We could not have asked for a better PR venue. And for two years in a row, we've had a great team effort and incredible weather!”
DC members of the Running Backs team included: Dr. Irene Pennimpede; Dr. Misty Watson; Dr. Chris Mar; Dr. Kym Harvey; Dr. Ted Frackson; Dr. Chris Martin; Dr. Sean Payne; Dr. Cindy Matthews; Dr. Veronika Hewstan; Dr. Dale Sklapsky and Dr. Joyce Shumka.
“The fundraising efforts, team spirit and endurance during the 24-hour event were second to none”, says Marcus. “I'd like to extend special thanks to the other 18 members of the Running Back team, the doctors, patients and to the BCCA for helping provide funding to pay for a large tent to keep our team shaded during the day and warm during the night. And to the South Vancouver Island Chiropractic Society for helping to keep the team fed.”
New fundraising ideas are already in the works for next year's event. That means sending more kids to Camp to Shawnigan and more publicity for the profession. “Our goal is to get even more chiropractors to contribute to this great cause,” says Marcus. “After all, this is a group effort. And it will take a group effort to let the people of Victoria know that their Chiropractors, not only have healing hands, but also healing hearts. This is an incredible profession! Let's make sure the public knows it.”
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