Terry Fox crosses our mind every time we think about running across Canada. He might be the pioneer of this unique idea but another group of young individuals has adapted a similar tradition and are carrying out their mission successfully from last ten years.

Young, athletic, healthy individuals dressed in flashy yellow and blue outfits representing Guru Gobind Singh Children’s Foundation (GGSCF) changed my vision of South Asian involvement in the community when they showed up in our office after a long run with sore legs.

Showing no sign of somnolence, these robust youngsters are running across Canada with the philanthropic mission to raise funds to support several hospitals throughout Canada and a health project in Liberia in Africa.

Proudly explaining the history of this tradition and a long journey of dedication I am informed that in 1999, ten years ago, the foundation came into being in commemoration of the ‘Khalsa.’ Since the run began this year they have raised up to $110,000 across 10 provinces of Canada.

Although, the organization was formed upon the humanitarian Sikh philosophy of ‘children helping children’ the foundation has attracted members from all ethnicities and religious backgrounds to help them in their benevolent cause. The colours of their uniforms are also derived from Sikhism, nonetheless they are practical as the glowing yellow and bright blue attract attention of drivers and people from far away.

Divided in three teams, namely East, Central and West; this year they are running across Canada from St. Jones to all the way to Vancouver. Enthralled by their involvement, I am informed that each team has 20 runners – 10 males and 10 females – along with the team of drivers and volunteers that are deeply dedicated to their mission. Their commitment reflects in each individual who runs for 7 to 10 miles a day even in harsh rain and scorching sun, ignoring sore legs.

Each team has equal number of girls and boys showing GGSCF’s believes in gender equality. The female runners are equally strong and show no hesitation to participate. GGSCF provides a safe environment for their runners to stay overnight when away from home.

Making the public aware of their mission and involvement is the prime way to raise the funds. Different groups and individuals sponsor the runners as well as make generous pledges to encourage these individuals going through the springtime of their lives.

Jiwanjot Gill has been with GGSCF since 1999. He explains that the foundation is well known and deeply involved in several different tasks. From food drives to sponsoring children, they have reached out to individuals from all walks of life. The foundation is well organized and structured with a rotating board of directors that allows all members to bring up their brilliant new ideas, plan events and make major decisions. The board of directors also ensures that the foundation is welcoming to every one and not closely affiliated with any religious, social, cultural or political group.

Gurleen Dhaliwal, a student at Suchlike Business School explains that “we are like brothers and sisters.” She points to another program that GGSCF is about to initiate – providing funds for college education.

The foundation encourages the youth to participate in a noble cause while giving them a great opportunity to meet new people, make friends and find a healthy activity outside the classroom and the closed walls of their rooms. They have successfully involved various age groups, from runners as young as 11 years old.

Author: Saniya Zahid