'Every kid deserves a present': Young runner goes the extra mile for CFAX's Santas Anonymous
With so many people in need this holiday season, one 11-year-old boy with a passion for running has decided to use his skill to raise money for CFAX’s Santas Anonymous, an island charity that donates gifts and hampers to families during the holidays.
Nikolas Tolias will set out this Sunday morning and run three times around the Cedar Hill Golf Course in Saanich, B.C, for a total of 10 kilometres. He's hoping to raise $10,000 for the Christmas charity with his fundraiser.
As of Friday, he's raised roughly $4,300 on his fundraising page which he started at the end of October.
The young runner and his family donate toys every year to CFAX’s Santas Anonymous, but this year, he felt the need was much greater.
"I’m doing this because I feel like every Christmas that every kid deserves a present, ‘cause it will just bring warmth to their heart that they’re not forgotten," said Tolias.
"If you can make a difference, you should make it, like in a good way, ‘cause on the bright side it will probably change the whole world," said the 11-year-old.
Nikolas plays soccer regularly and runs around the Cedar Hill Golf Course every week with his mom, one of his favorite things he likes to do.
This fundraising run will only be the second time he has run 10 kilometres all in one go, which he expects to complete in an hour alongside his mom.
He is grateful to all the people who have donated so far, but he says he can only reach his goal with everyone’s help.
On Friday afternoon, Tolias received some big help in his fundraising goal.
Realtors from REMAX Generation have decided to help Tolias by matching donations to his fundraising page until he meet his goal of $10,000.
For example, your $100 donation turns into a $200 donation between now and Sunday when the fundraising campaign ends.
Tolias says by helping him, you will help hundreds of kids wake up the same way he does on Christmas morning, with excitement and a smile in his heart.
"This has been a tough year for so many people, and if you can just give a little or a lot to those people who are in need of things, it will make them happy and it will just make them understand that they are not forgotten and they will always have a bright side to look forward to," he said.
Tolias will start his run at 8 a.m. along with his mom, rain or shine, at the Cedar Hill Golf Course clubhouse on Sunday morning.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Senate expenses climbed to $7.2 million in 2023, up nearly 30%
Senators in Canada claimed $7.2 million in expenses in 2023, a nearly 30 per cent increase over the previous year.
Pedestrian, baby injured after stroller struck and dragged by vehicle in Squamish, B.C.
Police say a baby and a pedestrian suffered non-life-threatening injuries after a vehicle struck a baby stroller and dragged it for two blocks before stopping in Squamish, B.C.
Tom Mulcair: Park littered with trash after 'pilot project' is perfect symbol of Trudeau governance
Former NDP leader Tom Mulcair says that what's happening now in a trash-littered federal park in Quebec is a perfect metaphor for how the Trudeau government runs things.
'It's discriminatory': Individuals refused entry to Ontario legislature for wearing keffiyeh
Individuals being barred from entering Ontario’s legislature while wearing a keffiyeh say the garment is part of their cultural identity— and the only ones making it political are the politicians banning it.
RCMP uncovers alleged plot by 2 Montreal men to illegally sell drones, equipment to Libya
The RCMP says it has uncovered a plot by two men in Montreal to sell Chinese drones and military equipment to Libya illegally.
Government agrees to US$138.7M settlement over FBI's botching of Larry Nassar assault allegations
The U.S. Justice Department announced a US$138.7 million settlement Tuesday with more than 100 people who accused the FBI of grossly mishandling allegations of sexual assault against Larry Nassar in 2015 and 2016, a critical time gap that allowed the sports doctor to continue to prey on victims before his arrest.
Canucks goalie Thatcher Demko won't play in Game 2
The Vancouver Canucks will be without all-star goalie Thatcher Demko when they face the Nashville Predators in Game 2 of their first-round playoff series.
Man wanted in connection with deadly shooting in Toronto tops list of most wanted fugitives in Canada
A 35-year-old man wanted in connection with the murder of Toronto resident 29-year-old Sharmar Powell-Flowers nine months ago has topped the list of the BOLO program’s 25 most wanted fugitives across Canada, police announced Tuesday.
Doctors ask Liberal government to reconsider capital gains tax change
The Canadian Medical Association is asking the federal government to reconsider its proposed changes to capital gains taxation, arguing it will affect doctors' retirement savings.