For the past two years, four-year-old Raina Miers of Carlyle has inspired family members and friends to form 'Raina's Crew' - a team of runners, walkers and most importantly, fundraisers - who support the Saskatchewan Down Syndrome Society through their participation in the organization's annual Regina Fun Run.
This year, 'Raina's Crew' raised nearly $3,000 for the SDSS at the 2017 Fun Run, held Sunday, June 3 at Regina's Rick Hansen Park and although final funds are not yet tallied, event organizers told the group that they may have topped the national total for funds raised in Canada for this year's Fun Runs.
“The race officials called Raina a 'rock star,' says Raina's mother, Kellie Jones. “And although the final figures aren't in yet - because donations are still coming in - they also told us that our team raised the most money in Canada during the Down Syndrome Fun Runs.”
“Last year -which was our first year doing the run -we raised $700,” adds Jones. “So we're thrilled with the support we received this year. And it meant the world that my mom and our friends travelled to Regina to be a part of 'Raina's Crew.'”
Raina was joined on the run by her parents - mom Kellie Jones and dad, Roger Miers - her grandmother, Valerie Morrow (who travelled from Kamloops, B.C. to support the run), her sister, Sidney Jones, and friends, Gavin, Alicia and Abigail Thomas and Sandra Dyer.
Dyer, a family friend - whose family raised $600 for the SDSS at her son's wedding - says that her first-ever run was especially meaningful.
“It brought tears to my eyes,” she says. “Seeing all of these little ones having fun and knowing we were helping such a good cause. I plan to be back next year, too. It was a great day and a great cause.”
“It was phenomenal,” says Jones. “We received so much community support, family support and support from our friends. I can't thank everyone enough. We're so grateful and people from this area are so generous.”
“Before the Fun Run, Kellie and I were talking,” adds Dyer. “We both had pledge sheets and when we were looking at them, she said that she was surprised that so many people - some she didn't even know - made donations in honour of Raina.”
“But Raina's pretty special and I think people know that.”
