Taylor Tripp to embark on 100 km run Will raise funds for the Food Bank

Bright and early Thursday morning, Taylor Tripp will depart from his downtown apartment on a 100 kilometre run to raise money for the Whitehorse Food Bank.

Tripp, a veteran of several marathons and ultra-marathons, having most recently completed the Reckless Raven, said running a 100 kilometres was always on his bucket list. However, when the pandemic hit he saw it as an opportunity to help an organization raise awareness.

“This seemed like the perfect opportunity to take something selfish and turn it toward something selfless and use any attention to direct it toward an organization, said Tripp. “The Food Bank seemed most fitting by how many people they serve.”

Tripp, a Yukoner since September, said he has participated in several runs with fundraising components in his hometown in Ontario, but nothing to this extent.

When the COVID-19 pandemic disrupted everyone’s life, he knew he wanted to help out.

“The result of the pandemic is everyone’s life has been shaken up,” said Tripp. “That spans from the mundane of an amateur athlete’s life to job loss and economic instability.

“Food stability, which is a basic human right, has gotten worse because of COVID-19.”

Through his own fundraising efforts, Tripp has raised over $6,000 for the Whitehorse Food Bank. Joining the cause was The Lawrence Schafer Foundation, which has committed $50,000.

The Lawrence Schafer Foundation is a private Canadian foundation established to support philanthropic endeavours, especially food banks across the country.

Dave Blottner, the executive director of the Whitehorse Food Bank said a donation of this size is “remarkable”.

Since March, the food bank has extended its services, providing food hampers to Burwash Landing, Haines Junction, Mayo, Carcoss, Carmacks and Pelly Crossing.

One hamper costs about $50 and can feed a person for 5-9 days.

Additionally, the food bank has started a daily food program which offers bagged lunch and dinner. Blottner said they see about 160 people a day.

“We had enough for the programs to continue into the summer but this will help us continue it longer,” said Blottner.

Since the pandemic, Blottner said they have seen an uptick in people using the Whitehorse Food Bank.

“Well, the meal program didn’t exist before and now we serve 160 people a day and that’s just for lunch,” said Blottner. “Before there was no programming for the communities. All the individuals who didn’t need to use the Food Bank before are now getting something.”

Blottner said Tripp has been amazing in organizing this fundraising campaign.

“Taylor has a huge heart,” said Blottner. “It was stunning, he came in on his own, then he buckled down and got it set up. We’ve been amazed by his dedication.”

Blottner also thanked The Lawrence Schafer Foundation for their generous contribution and to those who have donated - many of whom are from Ontario.

“That just goes to show that we are all in this together,” said Blottner.

Tripp said he is going to keep the donation page, https://www.canadahelps.org/en/pages/100-kilometres-for-the-food-bank-society-of-whiteh/? fbclid=IwAR0tJMXTU0zwENi3WGn8RtB6rEdKsi9PTXdF4d71T3fKxhesSyiNDLgCk, open for a few weeks after the run is complete.

“There will be lots of work after the pandemic to continue to help people so for those who are able I hope they donate,” said Tripp.

Tripp said he welcomes community support but said he is not trying to organize a run but hopes to see people out cheering him on.

“I want the focus to be on the Whitehorse Food Bank and help spread the word within the community because food is a basic human right,” he said.

The 100 kilometres will be completed all on Thursday. His run will take him from his downtown home to the Millennium Trail.

He will continue toward Robert Service Campground before cutting down to Miles Canyon Road. He will cross the bridge to the Lower Canyon City Trail to Chadburn Lake Road.

He will run some trails in Riverdale before popping out at Lewes. He will stop back at his home to refuel before getting out on the loop again.