A project dreamt up by Richmonds own Marathon Man to get homeless people up and running has quite literally grown arms and legs.
Benji Chus Run for Change a five-kilometre run which uses exercise as a means to inspire people from the homeless community in Vancouver and Richmond has more than doubled in popularity in its first year.
The inaugural event last year saw just 27 people from homeless, recovery or low-income backgrounds turn out.
But the 2nd Annual Run for Change held last week at False Creek in Vancouver saw 52 runners at the start line, many of whom came directly from shelters and even jail.
There was this one lady who had been in and out of jail four times this year already, said Chu, who lives in Richmond and works as a chef at MacDonald, Dettwiler and Associates.
She had been so looking forward to the run, but ended up in jail again just before the event.
She got out on the day of the run and I was surprised to see her and told her she should just go home and rest. But she was very emotional and said she needed to run because this was the first step in changing her life.
Chu has run most of the worlds famous and arduous marathons in quick succession and credits running for keeping him going through tough personal times in the past.
Indeed, Chu, who pays regular visits to homeless communities to encourage them to come and run with him, has helped at least two people get off the street and begin turning their lives around.
They came to the run last year and last week and are now looking for jobs, just because they came out for a run, said Chu.
Knowing that I made a difference, even in a small way, is quite emotional for me.
Such is the success of his event and the three-months of fitness clinics prior to it that Chu has been requested by the homeless community to make sure he continues with Run for Change for a third year.
I have no sponsor and get by on a few generous donations from friends and from one business, said Chu.
About 80 per cent of funding comes from my pocket but its worth it.
Runners were supplied with footwear, got a medal, a goodie bag, a T-shirt and a prize for finishing.
