The KidStart Run hit Courtenay on Sunday, with the occasion marked by speeches and refreshments at Simms Millennium Park.Former KidStart mentor Terry Kratzmann of Campbell River and current mentor Shane Douglas of Courtenay left Cape Scott Provincial Park on April 4 on a 600-kilometre fundraising and awareness-raising effort for KidStart that is scheduled to wrap up April 28 in Victoria.Local supporters joined the duo for the final five kilometres from Bridges Road to Simms Park, including Karin Kratz who accompanied Kratzmann in her wheelchair. They arrived at the park first, followed minutes later by Douglas and a group of runners.Douglas (who ran most of the distance with an injury) concluded his part of the run as scheduled in his hometown Sunday while the 65-year-old Kratzmann (who has an artificial hip) and his support team left Monday afternoon on the final 275-kilometre leg to Victoria.KidStart is offered by the John Howard Society of North Island in Campbell River and the Comox Valley. The volunteer-based program focuses on the positive development of vulnerable children and youth ages six to 18 who could benefit from having stable, committed, and caring adults in their lives.KidStart connects children and youth with carefully screened and trained adult mentors. These volunteers spend three or more hours with their "mentee" each week. Through role modeling and encouraging kids to participate in activities that build their confidence, mentors help children and youth become more resilient and successful.At Sunday's gathering, JHSNI spokesperson Wendy Thurlborn (who MCed the event) noted there are 50 children in the Comox Valley awaiting a mentor. She said "three or four" people came forward Sunday expressing interest in becoming a mentor.Among other highlights for Kratzmann and Douglas were four new mentors signing up in Campbell River and six teams of young ball players lining up to give them encouragement with enthusiastic high fives as they passed by a tournament.KidStart relies on donations, grants, and Gaming funds to assist in their work with vulnerable kids. To make a pledge, or order a KidStart Run T-shirt, visit www.jhsni.bc.ca and click on the KidStart Run link. For more info, contact JHSNI at 250-338-7341 in Courtenay.See more information on the run at www.2mevents.com/index.php/event/kidstart-vancouver-island-run. You can also follow the runners鈥� epic 600-kilometre journey at: http://kidstartrun.blogspot.ca/.If you鈥檙e in Victoria on April 28, head to South Park Elementary School field (508 Douglas Street) at 10 a.m. for the grand finale of the KidStart Run.sports@comoxvalleyrecord.com
