Bagel Chase, a week-long competition challenging runners, is set to take place January 31 to February 6 to help raise ‘dough’ for Vancouver’s Backpack Buddies
January 31 will kick off the third annual Bagel Chase, a week-long competition that challenges runners to get fit, have some fun, win prizes and raise money for Vancouver’s Backpack Buddies, helping feed children in need.
Taking place each day throughout the week, runners are challenged to run a 5 km lap from Siegel’s Bagels to the Cactus Club in English Bay as many times as they can, whenever they can. The more laps run, the more chances runners will have to win some impressive prizes that include everything from entry to the SeaWheeze ½ Marathon to prizes from Yaletown Brewing Company, New Balance and Urban Fare. The goal for the event is to collectively run the course 8000 times and raise $25,000 for Backpack Buddies.
Supported by kids for kids, Backpack Buddies run by the Community First Foundation currently works partner schools including Collingwood, West Bay Elementary, Brockton and Kenneth Gordon Maplewood School to fundraise and prepare backpacks for Queen Alexandra and Grandview Elementary School in the Downtown Eastside. In operation since 2012, the program currently provides over 300 children on a bi-weekly basis with breakfasts, lunches, and dinners plus snacks, yogurt, cheese, and fresh fruit.
Entry is $15 plus a suggested donation of an additional $15 to go to the Backpack Buddies. For more information about the Bagel Chase, visit www.bagelchase.com.
About Backpack Buddies: Backpack Buddies delivers backpacks of food to the most vulnerable children of our inner city schools. Backpack Buddies focuses on kids helping kids, engaging youth in community and creating an avenue for children of all backgrounds to come together. For more information, visit www. www.communityfirstfoundation.ca/initiatives/backpackbuddies
