Derek Haines treks for Special Needs
(L-R) Mike Burcombe and Derek Haines on the 22,834 ft Aconcagua in Argentina
(CNS Local Life): Veteran marathoner and fundraiser Derek Haines (70) is undertaking yet another physically demanding challenge as he and his friend Mike Burcombe train to climb 550 miles of the Pyrenees mountain range later this year to benefit Special Needs Foundation Cayman (SNFC). Fundraising as part of the Coast to Coast Pyrenees Challenge campaign is kicking off with an “Epic Lip Sync Battle” set for Saturday, 19 January at the Harquail Theatre.
Proceeds from the event, at which a Cayman lip sync champion will be crowned, will benefit the more than 300 special needs children here while supporting SNFC’s mission to make Cayman inclusive, where all young people are given equal opportunities.
In a video about his efforts posted on the SNFC website, Haines spoke of his commitment to helping the foundation. “In Cayman, hundreds of children with special needs are left out on many occasions because they’re not included in the schools. It’s vital that these children do get the chance to mix in the ordinary schools with children who do not have special needs so they can build and grow within the community,” he said.
Haines added that he and Burcombe have been to the Andes on a previous fundraising exercise so will be able to keep each other going during the journey. He said he hopes to “take the first step” on 3 June with the trek taking seven to eight weeks.
He also noted that Rotary Club of Grand Cayman, as with his previous efforts, is supporting this latest charitable adventure.
Addressing those who will donate to SNFC for this challenge, Haines said, “You are supporting the community in Cayman and all of these youngsters with special needs.”
For more information, to buy tickets for the event or to donate go to the SNFC website
Category: Community, Fundraiser
