As most residents are lining up at polling stations this Saturday, Mounties and other first responders will be raising funds for Honour House.
On Nov. 13, 2012, Surrey RCMP Const. Adrian Oliver was killed when his unmarked police car collided with a semi-truck while on patrol.
When Oliver died, his family flew to the West Coast to attend the memorial. During that time, they stayed at Honour House, a New Westminster facility that provides temporary housing for families of Canadian Forces and first responders.
The family's stay at Honour House made such an impact during that tragic time that Oliver's brother Ben and a couple of his friends decided to organize a fundraiser for the house in his honour.
"Because Honour House was so good to our family and friends when they came down and they needed a place to stay, we figured what better way to repay than have something we could do to raise money every year," Ben said.
Thus the Adrian Oliver Memorial Run was born.
Last year's event drew about 200 people to Deer Lake Park and raised more than $3,500 for Honour House and about an additional $10,000 through a memorial bracelet campaign they organized.
"It takes an awful lot of hard work to keep things going but it's events like this that mean a lot to Honour House and allows us to keep operating," said Craig Longstaff, general manager of Honour House.
This year, the event has expanded and includes a silent auction and raffle. Lululemon, WestJet, Canada Goose and Running Room all donated prizes and auction items for the event. Tim Hortons will also be on hand with hot coffee and snacks prior to the run.
Officers from the USA border patrol are also expected to attend the event along with the Emergency Response Team (Canada's SWAT). Both groups will be in full gear as they participate in the five- or 10-kilometre run around Deer Lake (so don't be alarmed if you happen to see them on Nov. 15).
"We're hoping to do this for the foreseeable future so as long as it gets bigger every year, we're satisfied," Ben said.
Online registration for the Adrian Oliver Memorial Run ends Nov. 14 but people can still register at the event starting at 10 a.m. on Nov. 15. The run begins at 11 a.m. and is followed by a barbecue, raffle and silent auction.
For more information on the event visit honourhouse.ca/events/adrian-oliver-memorial-run.
