A pair of officers with the Campus Community Police have spearheaded an event next month to raise money for the Canadian Red Cross Stronger Together Nova Scotia Fund.

Special constables Kevin Thompson and Lindsay Soucie serve on the board of their provincial association and won its unanimous support for their proposal to help people and communities affected by the shootings in and around Portapique on April 18 and 19.

“Like all Canadians, Lindsay and I were left saddened by the tragic loss of life in the Nova Scotia shootings,” says Thompson. “Due to the challenges we face with the COVID19 pandemic, we decided that we would like to put together a virtual event aimed at bringing people from across Canada together to help.”

The Ontario Special Constable Association Virtual Run for Nova Scotia is set for June 28.

Participants pay an entrance fee of $50 and can walk, run, bike, skate, 5 km or 10 km — on their treadmills at home or in their own neighbourhoods. Anyone can take part; organizers have already registered runners from across the country.

“Quite frankly, we have been blown away by the support and generosity that we are seeing from people who want to help and get involved,” Thompson says. “We would love to see members of the University of Windsor community unite with us and help show our support for the people of Nova Scotia while they are hurting.”

Sponsors are helping to cover the costs and the association is continuing to accept contributions. Find details on sponsorship or registration to participate on the virtual run’s website.