There’s some good people out there, and Mike Strange, a three-time Canadian Olympic boxer, is one of them. Within a matter of a couple of days, he will have completed his personal journey to “Knockout Childhood Cancer” by running 90 Marathons in 90 consecutive days through the BoxRun Foundation. His journey began on May 8th in St Johns, Newfoundland and will end right here in his hometown of Niagara Falls, ON this Saturday, August 9, 2014.
Mike Strange is a local hero and mentor to many people. Besides being an 11 time Canadian amateur boxing champion, Mike started “Heater’s Heroes” in 2011 to honour his mentor Robert “Heater” Lavelle, an annual event held in Niagara Falls to help local sick children in need. His heart is as big as his physical strength with his will to help sick children and those with developmental disabilities.
In his own words, Mike says: “I have met so many brave children over the past few years who have been affected by cancer and other life altering diseases. After witnessing their innocence and strength I feel I have to do whatever I can to help. that is why I run, I don’t have a choice.”
It is because of this, that he started the BoxRun Foundation. Originally, the first BoxRun began in 2012 from Thunder Bay, ON. to Victoria, BC. and raised $100,000 for Childhood Cancer Research and this year he hopes to raise even more towards the cause and motivate, inspire and gain awareness along the way with every step he takes.
The BoxRun mission:
To “Knock Out Childhood Cancer by raising funds through an annual marathon campaign within Canada. We are a volunteer foundation who place your generous donations directly with our charity partners, Ronald McDonald Houses across Canada and The McMaster Stem Cell and Cancer Research institute.”
Currently as I write this piece, Mike is running through Hamilton, ON., and to see how far he has run to date is one heck of an accomplishment. Running a full marathon of 42.2 km in one day is a difficult task in itself that statistics show only 4% of the population will do in their lifetime. Having run a full marathon myself I know first-hand how taxing it is on your body and mind after a certain point. Mike has done this everyday with no days off in the name of raising money for Childhood Cancer; a cause so near and dear to his heart, and to thousands of other people going through it themselves with their loved ones.
Here is a map of his daily accomplishments:
BoxRun has two primary charity partners: The McMaster Stem Cell & Cancer Research Institute. Donating to Boxrun is directly supporting their partners.
Dr. Singh from the McMaster Stem Cell & Cancer Research Institute explains where your money goes:
Upcoming Events!
Mike Strange is being welcomed at several different events as BoxRun begins to draw to a close. Here is a list of a few different welcoming ceremonies in the final couple of days locally. Please come on out and support Mike and the BoxRun Foundation!
Grimsby, Wednesday, August 6, 2014
St.Catharines, Thursday, August 7, 2014
Niagara Falls, Saturday, August 9th, 2014
This event is the grand finale! I encourage everyone to come out to Oakes Park and celebrate Mike Strange and his journey — and come out and unite as a community. It’s a family fun, all-day event with live entertainment for everybody to enjoy.
**If your business wishes to donate towards a raffle prize for the BoxRun Homecoming and Heater’s Heroes Run For Children, please drop them off at the Highland Tap on Lundy’s Lane by Thursday August 7th.**
Get Involved
Get involved in BoxRun “Running for the Fight”:
Mike welcomes runners along the way to help him “knockout” Childhood Cancer. Get a team together and get moving! You can join Mike and log in some miles along the way. Mike typically runs 5 legs a day of 8.5KM each, so if 42.2KM is too daunting for you, you may run 1 leg or 2 — whatever you wish. Just know that with every foot you place in front of the other, it is one step made in contributing to a remarkable cause.
To participate please email: [email protected].
**If you wish to make a donation towards the cause, please click here. All donations of $20 or more will receive a charitable tax receipt from BoxRun Charitable Foundation.
Direct deposit donations can be made at any TD Bank: Account 151-5221082.
Follow and cheer on Mike Strange along the way to completing his journey via his Facebook page “Box Run”, where you will see daily photos, videos, his inspirational quotes of the day, and heart-warming messages and dedications to children, their families, and businesses that continue to inspire him everyday.
Christine Lynn
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