The following is a list of the various ways I have tried to help the needy since I was 12 years of age. All of these activities have been rewarding to me.
Over the years I have been featured by many Manitoba television stations and newspapers.
Some of these activities will have to be put on hold shortly as I take part in one of the biggest challenges I have ever taken on - my run across Canada that we have called Vision4hope.
Run to Thompson Manitoba
In 2009 I ran from Winnipeg to Thompson (759 kilometers) in 3 weeks and had 12,000 pounds of food donated as a result. This not only was a success in that the public donated food that was put to good use but at the same time this was practice for my cross-Canada run which will take place starting in February, 2010.
Annual Candace Sutherland run
I have held an annual event to feed the less fortunate since I was 12 years of age.
Each summer I have held the annual Candace Sutherland 10 kilometer run where through public support we got food donations. The food was then turned over to Winnipeg Harvest and rural communities such as: Lac Du Bonnet, Sagkeeng, Hollow water, Cross Lake, Grand Rapids, and Thompson. Over 40,000 pounds of food have been donated in the last 5 years through my 10K runs.
Turkey contributions via the full marathon
Also, since I was 12 years old, I have run the full marathon in the fall. Through the marathon I would get donations of turkeys which were handed over to the less fortunate for Thanksgiving meals. Over 350 turkeys (20 pounds and over) have were donated to the Siloam Mission, Union Gospel Mission, Agape, Table4kids, Rossbrook House, the Lighthouse Mission, Indian Friendship Center and the Ma-ma-waii ittata center. The largest turkey donated was 56 pounds. I also had the pleasure of feeding meals directly to my friends.
It is estimated that over 5,000 meals were given out over the last 5 years through this method.
Christmas Activities
Along with the Winnipeg Indian and Metis Friendship Center, we held my annual operation Christmas child fundraiser where I put up a booth at a local shopping mall and collected cash donations and toys. For $2.75 you could buy a meal for a less fortunate person or a toy for a child. We were able to help places like the Siloam Mission, the Peguis cheerboard, and the Shamattawa friendship center Christmas dinner.
Food to help the needy
With donations from a local supermarket, I was able to collect tons of food over the years which were distributed to the needy on Sundays. Each Sunday, with the help of my uncle, I delivered food to the corner of Jarvis and Main in Winnipeg - to Winnipeg's most needy. It is estimated that I have given over 150,000 pounds of food to my friends with the assistance of the supermarket.
Other items to help the needy
Just about every day I access Winnipeg websites where free items are given away. My uncle and I pick up unwanted clothes and furniture or anything useable. We distribute these items to anyone who needs them free of charge. We hold free garage sales or we drop the items off to locations that have fundraising to assist children. It is estimated that we have given over 100,000 pounds of furniture and clothes to the needy in this way.