News

Thursday 10 May 2012

Team ShelterBox conquers Vancouver Half Marathon

Last Sunday, on May 6^th, cheerful supporters and well-wishers welcomed ShelterBox Response Team members Jen Kormendy, Per Dahlstrom, and Dave Achtemichuk as they crossed the finish line of the Vancouver Half Marathon. These dedicated individuals successfully completed the 21.1 kilometre run in support of ShelterBox Canada, an international humanitarian organization that distributes emergency shelter to people in need following a disaster.

Jen, Per, and Dave are ShelterBox Response Team members; a group of highly-trained volunteers who respond rapidly to provide emergency humanitarian relief in the form of shelter, warmth, and dignity for families left homeless due to disaster. They have been deployed to countries including Thailand, Colombia, Chile, and Haiti, and their commitment is ongoing as they raise funds and awareness for ShelterBox.  

Motivation for Jen Kormendy, a member of the Rotary Club of Tsawwassen came from knowing she was supporting a great cause. “It was one thing to run the marathon for myself,” Jen reflects, “and quite another to run knowing that my contribution would help those in need.” With this in mind, Jen made the decision to train for the Vancouver half-marathon this year, having only completed 10km runs in the past. She was thrilled to establish a team with her fellow ShelterBox Response Team members Per and Dave, as well as ShelterBox Canada Executive Director Lisa Salapatek.

 
Lisa, who was sidelined from participating in the run after a minor injury in training, cheered the team on at the finish line.  “Jen, Dave and Per are truly an inspiration for their work as ShelterBox Response Team volunteers,” Lisa said. “During the half marathon today, each 10km that Team ShelterBox ran meant that one more family in need will receive desperately needed shelter and equipment to help them rebuild their lives after a disaster.”

Supporters offered donations and well-wishes on the team’s official fundraising website, which registers a grand total of more than $2,000 contributed in support of ShelterBox. Surpassing their fundraising goal, the team raised enough money to fully fund two ShelterBoxes, providing life-saving supplies for two families in the wake of a disaster.

Jen and her teammates are grateful for the enthusiasm and generosity of those who donated. “It was a wonderful course, with supportive fans and great music, all on a beautiful sunny day,” she said. “I was so proud of our team for crossing the finish line in good time, and so appreciative of our supporters.”

Although the race is over, the ShelterBox Canada team is still hard at work raising money and awareness for their disaster relief efforts. Please visit www.shelterboxcanada.org for more information.