03 Jul Difference Makers Mike and Victor unite the community with The 100 Challenge
As we approached our 100th day of physical distancing, Mike Strange and Victor Pietrangelo found a wonderful way to unite the community and really raise awareness and funds to support the children affected by food insecurity in our region. They ran a combined 100km in one day with check points at various schools Community Crew serves in St. Catharines, Thorold, Welland and Niagara Falls. Not to mention challenging people within our community to take part by participating in different challenges, like 100 jacks for kids snacks, or 100 punches OR crunches for kids lunches! It truly was a wonderful way for all of us as a community to mark the 100th day of quarantine and celebrate the efforts we have all made together to flatten the curve.
We are thrilled to announce that this amazing Difference Maker initiative raised over $3,000 for our lunch program.
But more than that it really brought so many people together, helped connect our region and raised so much awareness for the need within our communities. The heart and dedication of Mike and Vic throughout all of this was inspiring to say the least, and we wanted to also take this opportunity to really shine a light and give thanks to the amazing people and organizations who also did their part to help make this event what it was.
First and foremost we want to give a huge shout out to the Mayor of Thorold, Terry Ugulini and Niagara Falls Mayor Jim Diodati
Both Mayors shared some really great words of encouragement and gratitude for everyone’s efforts, and we are eternally grateful for all of their support. To our MPP Wayne Gates for his generosity and coming out to James Morden to cheer the crew on as they crossed the finish line and Chris Dabrowski, for helping encourage the guys to push through during that last leg when the challenge really was starting to take its toll, thank you!
To our Corporate Supporter
Club Italia:
For hosting the Dinner Night before Event
Mema Foods International
For all the Food Donations
Henley Honda
Alex Digenis $800 Donations
Gatt Wealth
For Donation of Golf Cart
Black Burn Brewhouse:
For supplying our runners with some nice cold beverages to help celebrate after the challenge was complete
Thanks for the corporate support. Always working with agencies and organizations across the region
Each and everyone of you contributed to the success of this event, we see you, we appreciate you, and we are forever grateful!
To the Niagara Falls Review and Your TV Niagara:
Thank you both for taking the time to help spread the word with your pre and post run coverage. We are always so appreciative of your support and all you do to help keep our communities informed and connected. If you haven’t had a chance to read the articles in the review or watch the interviews from YourTV check the links below:
To our Local Food Banks
Niagara Dream Centre
Community Care of St. Catharines, Thorold
The Hope Centre
Project Share
It is an honour to work along side so many wonderful organizations within our community. We truly are in it together, and we are proud and applaud each and everyone of you for your efforts of the betterment of others within our region.
The Runners, The Difference Makers!
Mike, Vic, Peter, Tim, Anita, Mike and Leanne – Your heart, your dedication, and commitment to completing this challenge was no easy feat but you did it. Thank you for helping raise awareness, thank you for helping to connect our region and thank you for showing us all what we can truly accomplish when we work together!
Last but not least…
To all our supporters and donors, each of you played a part in this event. Thank you to everyone who came out to the checkpoints, who made both food and monetary donations. Your heart for others helped make a difference and provide hope to those who need it most.
