A group of kids from Williams Lake will be running in Maple Ridge and Pitt Meadows on July 6 to raise money for Vancouver Children’s Hospital.

Their stops in Maple Ridge and Pitt Meadows mark the second to last before arriving at the hospital to present the cheque. So far they have raised $52,000.

The group, Kids Running For Kids, has 60 kids from Williams Lake, many of whom have used the hospital’s services.

“We are leaving Williams Lake July 1, and arriving one week later at Children’s Hospital to present them with a check for the money raised. Many children in our group have used Children’s Hospital and continue to use it for regular treatments and check ups,” said Kids Running For Kids organizer Liselle Pierce.

“We have had an overwhelming reaction from local friends, family, and businesses, but we are hoping to reach farther as Children’s Hospital services all communities across B.C. and Yukon. Our original goal was to raise $25,000 but we quickly surpassed that months ago and have now raised over $52,000,” explained Pierce.

“We started training in April and run with the kids three times a week in order to prepare for our eight day adventure. Each child will run approximately five kilometres a day in communities along the way, explained Pierce.

The group will camp at the Albion Fairgrounds for three nights starting July 5.

During their leg in Maple Ridge and Pitt Meadows, they will begin the morning of July 6 with a send off at the Memorial Peace Park from 9 til 10 a.m. followed by a six-kilometre run from the Jerry Sulina Park to the Menzies Crossing.

“We are asking for supporters to come and say hi, tell us your story or even run with us. If you or someone you know has a special Children’s Hospital story please contact me so we can introduce you as an honorary member and celebrate this journey with us,” said Pierce.

From noon til 2 p.m. they will be hosted by the Kiwanis Club of Golden Ears at the Spirit Square.

“We are excited to say they are celebrating our running event with a barbecue to feed our enthusiastic team of approximately 150 participants,” said Pierce.

They have a web page set up under BC Children’s Hospital at www.bcchf.ca/kidsrunningforkids. All money raised along the journey will be matched by CN Rail Tax receipts are available for $20 or more.

For more information on how to donate or contribute to the event, contact Liselle Pierce at 250-302-1613.