Barrie man embarks on 21-day half marathon to help kids in need
![Paul Alexander Paul Alexander prepares for his half marathon in Barrie, Ont on May 27, 2024 (CTV News/ Chris Garry).](/content/dam/ctvnews/en/images/2024/5/27/paul-alexander-1-6903079-1716861159368.jpg)
Paul Alexander, a resident of Barrie, is embarking on a unique mission to impact his community positively.
Alexander has committed to running a half marathon every day for 21 consecutive days to raise funds for underprivileged kids.
Alexander's daily runs commence at 4 a.m. before he starts his workday.
His motivation came from a personal tragedy in 2013 when a close friend passed away in a motorcycle accident, with the ongoing half marathon serving as a tribute to his friend while aiming to provide support to children in need.
The funds raised from Alexander's initiative will be used to purchase skateboards for underprivileged kids, thereby giving them access to recreational activities they might not have otherwise been able to afford.
"Well, I grew up without being able to afford these kinds of things myself, so to be able to help people in that same boat means a lot to me," said Alexander.
Alexander's 21-day marathon will culminate on Sunday when he will participate in the Barrie Honda Half Marathon.
In addition to his efforts, Alexander is also collecting donations through a GoFundMe campaign to support his cause further.
By combining his passion for running with a genuine desire to give back to the community, Paul Alexander hopes to continue his half-marathons for many more years.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
![](https://www.ctvnews.ca/polopoly_fs/1.6979388.1722030190!/httpImage/image.jpg_gen/derivatives/landscape_800/image.jpg)
Celine Dion delivers stirring comeback performance at Paris Olympics opening ceremony
Against the rainy Paris night sky, Celine Dion staged the comeback of her career with a powerful performance from the Eiffel Tower to open the Olympic Games.
Jasper wildfire: 'Several weeks' before residents can return, premier says
Premier Danielle Smith said Friday afternoon in Hinton while weather conditions are cooler, the Jasper fire is still considered out of control and that Jasper residents can expect to be away from their homes 'for several weeks.'
Missing 3-year-old boy found dead in creek in Mississauga, Ont.: police
A three-year-old boy has been found dead a day after he went missing in a park in Mississauga, Ont., Peel police say.
Irish museum pulls Sinead O'Connor waxwork after just one day due to backlash
An Irish museum will withdraw a waxwork of singer-songwriter Sinéad O'Connor just one day after installing it, following a backlash from her family and the public, it told CNN in a statement on Friday.
Winnipeg senior's account overdrawn for $146,000 water bill
A Winnipeg senior is getting soaked with a six-figure water bill.
FBI says Trump was indeed struck by bullet during assassination attempt
Nearly two weeks after Donald Trump’s near assassination, the FBI confirmed Friday that it was indeed a bullet that struck the former president’s ear, moving to clear up conflicting accounts about what caused the former U.S. president’s injuries after a gunman opened fire at a Pennsylvania rally.
Driver charged after flashing high beams at approaching police
Orillia OPP arrested and charged a driver with impaired driving after flashing their high beams.
Turpel-Lafond won't sue CBC over Cree heritage report that took 'heavy toll': lawyer
The lawyer for a former judge whose claims to be Cree were questioned in a CBC investigation says his client is not considering legal action against the broadcaster after the Law Society of British Columbia this week backed her claims of Indigenous heritage.
Major Canadian bank experiences direct deposit outage on payday
Scotiabank says it has fixed a technical issue that impacted direct deposits on Friday morning.