A history of serving our community

The Vancouver Sun has launched many programs over the last 100 years to make life better in the community it serves: Raise- A- Reader ( 1997- present) Description: A literacy program highlighted by an annual campaign drive on the streets of Vancouver, it fi nances dozens of programs, such as Books, Bags and Babies, a program for aboriginal children and families at the YWCA’S Crabtree Corner Family Resource Centre in the Downtown Eastside. Total raised: $ 6.5 million locally, $ 18.7 million across Canada Vancouver Sun Children’s Fund ( 1981- present) Description: The program combats child poverty by awarding twice yearly grants to more than 900 children’s charities. Total raised: $ 11 million, of which $ 2.5 million is an untouchable endowment fund. Vancouver Sun Run ( 1985- present) Description: To promote health, fi tness and a sense of community through running. It attracted 3,200 in 1985 and has grown to 50,000, making it the second- largest timed 10K in the world. Total runners to date: 855,596 Total raised to date: Although it’s not designated as a charitable event, it has raised $ 1.86 million, with $ 50,000 donated to Raise- a- Reader each year and $ 70,000 given to B. C.’ s amateur athletes via the Achilles Track Society and The Vancouver Sun International Jerome Track Classic. Uncle Ben’s Sun Ray Club ( Began June 1, 1929, running for 50- plus years ) Description: With a goal of engaging children, it became the longest- running special space for children in a daily newspaper. Total members: 35,000 Total raised: It was not a fundraiser, but members raised money for various charities including Save The Children and Kids in Korea. Sun Salmon Derby ( 1940- 1984) Description: The largest free derby of its type in the world, giving out valuable prizes. Total participants: Many thousands, including 7,200 in its fi nal year. Sun Free Swim classes ( 1932- 1960s) Description: Free swim classes off ered each summer at local pools. Participants: More than 200,000 children aged 6 to16 years.