A run to support MADD Comox Valley is taking on a new meaning this year.
Last year, Caroline and Margarita Bernard held an inaugural fundraising run for the organization to honor a loved one and give back to the community.
In July 2016, Goyo Bernard was killed by an impaired driver on Cliffe Avenue while walking on the sidewalk next to his wife Margarita. During the trial and afterward, the pair received support from the Comox Valley chapter of Mothers Against Drunk Driving and wanted to use the opportunity to raise funds and awareness for the organization.
Tragically, Goyo’s daughter Caroline died in Deep Bay this past summer. The pair had planned to host the run again this year.
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Instead, Caroline’s soccer team The Shooters decided to host the run in her honour.
Anyone wishing to participate in the run or walk can meet at Woodcote Park on Nov. 27 at 10 a.m. The run has a fundraising goal of $3,000 - similar to what the mother and daughter raised last year for MADD.
The route is set down 17th Street to Fitzgerald, along Fitzgerald to Cumberland Road and up the road to Woodcote Park. For walkers or runners who are not in the Comox Valley, The Shooters are encouraging anyone to run, walk or fundraise around the world and to send them a participation photo.
“Impaired driving continues to be a problem on our roads even though most people know it is dangerous and illegal,” said Leslie Wells, president of MADD Comox Valley. “MADD events like this one are a little about raising funds to continue the work of MADD and a lot about awareness that impaired driving is still a problem.”
She added this message is especially important during the holiday seasons when impaired driving crashes tend to increase.
As of Nov. 17, fundraising has reached $1,190.
For more information or to donate, visit https://bit.ly/2Z0u0V8.
photos@comoxvalleyrecord.com
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