Heater’s Heros to make kids smile
The annual Heater’s Heroes fundraiser will take place Aug. 12 at Oakes Park.
Organizer Mike Strange said the event has raised about $100,000 for local sick children since 2011.
That’s when Strange brought the event back, two years after his mentor and friend Bob Lavelle died.
Heater’s Heroes was started by Lavelle, who was nicknamed Heater and whose high profile charity events in the 1980s attracted several professional athletes.
In addition to proceeds being donated to children in need, money will also go to Heartland Forest, which supports children through a number of programs and services.
The event is scheduled to start at noon at the Morrison Street park with laps dedicated to children who have battled, or continue to battle, terminal, or life-altering illnesses or injuries.
Strange said the laps will go until about 5 p.m., and entertainment will continue at the park until 10 p.m.
“We have seven children this year,” said Strange.
“One is Julianne Minszk. She was a runner from St. Mike’s, and she’s been battling osteosarcoma, the same kind of cancer as Terry Fox, but she has it in her jaw. She’s the last lap, so I’ve been texting her all the time, and she’s really pumped up about running the lap — she’s going to sprint the whole way.”
Strange said money raised also helps to make many dreams come true for children.
Proceeds have helped send children to sporting events and to meet their idols, as well as allowing one child to get a set of drums.
“Now he plays every year at Heater’s Heroes,” he said.
Strange said while the event is positive, it’s also emotional.
Some of the children who have attended Heater’s Heroes in the past have died, leading to many solemn moments.
“It’s very emotional, and unfortunately some of these kids don’t make it the whole year, so it’s tough, it’s a good reality check,” he said.
“But some of these kids are healthy now, and doing really well. We just want to put a smile on these kids’ faces, and anything we can do to do that, we will.”
For more information visit heatersheroes.ca.