A local family is aiming to double its efforts with its second annual walkathon for Royal Columbian Hospital's neonatal intensive care unit this weekend.
Ron and Stephanie VanMarrewyk of Ladner organized their first Christmas 5km Walkathon last year and raised $45,000 to benefit the hospital's neonatal intensive care unit (NICU). This year, the couple has set its sites on raising $90,000 to purchase three closed isolette incubators for the NICU.
Stephanie VanMarrewyk said the hospital desperately needs the new incubators, as six of the ones currently in use are more than 30 years old.
The couple was inspired to organize the fundraiser after their triplet daughters, now three, were born 11 weeks early and received care at the hospital's NICU.
This year's event is set for tomorrow. The walk starts at Neilson Grove Elementary at 11 a.m.
There will be a pancake breakfast, hosted by the Delta Fire Department, starting at 9 a.m., and there will be crafts, face painting and other refreshments both before and after the walk.
This year the family has rented the gym at the school for the event, in case of inclement weather.
For more information, or to download a pledge form, visit www.faceboook.com/vanmarrewykchristmasfundraiser or www.rchcares.com.
