Run to R.E.D. first fundraiser in series of five

The 3rd Annual Run to R.E.D. is the first event in a series of five that will raise funds to help support military families.

“I was raised by a veteran,” said Organizer Cheyenne Astle. “My spouse is military. All my uncles were military and I just wanted to give back for my freedom.”

Nearly 50 runners took part in the Aug. 18 event, running two, five or 10-km routes on the streets and trails of Petawawa. It raised $785, to be split equally between the Petawawa Military Family Resource Centre (PMFRC) and the Chaplains’ Christmas Hamper Fund.

The race was a partnership with Valour JK-12 School’s Coureur de Bois Running Club.

“It is just a perfect fit as Cheyenne is raising money for good causes with the PMFRC and Garrison Chaplain Fund,” said Coach Gary Serviss. “We thought it would be great to have our runners support her cause.” 4th Canadian Division Support Group Formation Sergeant Major Chief Warrant Officer Tom Verner was also invited to launch the event by firing the starting pistol.

The run was the first fundraiser in the series. Astle organizes these events to help the military community as she is thankful for everything Canadian Armed Forces members and their families have sacrificed for their country. She chose the name carefully - R.E.D. is an acronym for Remember Everybody Deployed. She hopes that through the five events, she will raise $5,000.

She hopes the other fundraisers will draw a wide variety of participants.

“I want to get more people involved,” said Astle. “I want to get more of the military families involved. I know not everybody runs, not everybody rides, not everybody likes tattoos. With the Sip and Sign they can make signs for their houses and with the paint night they can make paintings.” The motorcycle Ride to R.E.D. was next on the roster and was held on Aug. 25. Participants did a four-hour ride, starting at the Irving Big Stop Family Restaurant in Pembroke and finishing with a barbecue at Warrior Gear in Whitewater Region.

A Sign and Sip for R.E.D will be held at Janna and Kerry’s Over Easy Bar and Grill in Pembroke on Sept. 19. A paint night will be held at the same location on Oct. 17 while a tattoo fundraiser will be held a few days later on Oct. 21.

Details about the events can be found on Cheyenne Astle’s Facebook page.