Fleet Diving Unit (Atlantic) gets ready for Christmas Daddies fundraiser run
By Griffin Bjerke-Clarke,
Trident Staff
The summer season isn’t quite over yet, but Sailor 1st Class (S1) Sam Phillips and the team at Fleet Diving Unit (Atlantic) (FDU(A)) are looking ahead. They’re focused on organizing and facilitating an upcoming event that has seen the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) support the long-running Christmas Daddies telethon for the past 43 years.
This year’s Navy Divers 50K Run is set for Saturday, October 17.
Despite being three months away, the event demands time to get the word out.
“The more outreach we can get earlier in the year, the better,” explains S1 Phillips.
“Last year, we had 35 participants and this year we’d like to surpass that. Each participant brings a hundred dollars with them to donate to the cause; that’s a lot of money that really benefits us.”
The annual initiative holds an important spot on the FDU(A) calendar, and the team typically goes all out in raising funds that are then used to support struggling children and families across the Maritimes.
In previous years, the relay-style run took participants through downtown Halifax to a finish at CTV’s studios. The current 50-kilometre distance adds an extra physical challenge compared to past formats.
“I think there’s a push from the young guys at the unit to want to get involved and to make it bigger and better than in years past,” continues S1 Phillips.
With the run now open to civilian participants—ten participants joined the FDU(A) divers last year—and increased interactions with the public, the bond between CAF members and the communities they serve is made stronger. Between the October run and December telethon, the divers will also be out at various community “Hotspots,” meeting with the public and collecting donations.
S1 Phillips recounted meeting a recipient of support from Christmas Daddies during the divers’ visit to CTV studios last year, and said he’s looking forward to seeing more of the organization’s impact during this year’s telethon on December 5. While the run now takes place earlier in the year, the team will still be there in person on telethon day to present their donation.
“She came up to myself and my colleague and was in tears; hugged us both, thanked us for the direct impact. That was my first time seeing the work we do and the money we raise going to someone in particular, and that hit pretty hard. It’s definitely been the most satisfying thing.”
The Navy Divers 50K Run is scheduled to take place on October 17, with on-site registration opening at 7 a.m. and the run beginning at 8 a.m. at the Shearwater Fitness and Sports Centre, continuing through the scenic Shearwater Flyer, Salt Marsh and Atlantic View Trails and concluding at 3 p.m.
Online registration is currently open to civilians and CAF members. All who wish to join are welcome. To learn more or to sign up, visit FDU(A)’s Race Roster page.
All money raised from participant entry fees or additional fundraising go directly to Christmas Daddies.
