Sponsored run appeals to Kevin

Seventy-five-year-old Lismore resident Kevin Elsey is aiming to raise $1000 for the Red Shield Appeal by running 20 kilometres.

The Lismore Salvation Army leaders, Majors Lindsay and Jennifer Reeves, recently challenged their congregation to each raise $200 for the appeal, in any way they could.

Rather than door-knocking over the Red Shield Appeal weekend of 30-31 May, as he usually does, Kevin decided to complete a sponsored 20km run.

Kevin says he runs 5km every morning, but has never run 20km in one go. “Normally I just jog for myself, for exercise,” he said. “I have been jogging for over 40 years now as daylight breaks, that’s the best time – I’m addicted to it.”

Major Lindsay Reeves said Kevin's response to the congregational challenge impressed him. “Its great! I was really surprised when he came up with the idea. His initiative will give a good boost to the appeal. He has opened the way to potentially thousands of dollars.” 

Kevin said he was halfway to his target and was on the lookout for more sponsors. He said his aim was  to find 50 people to sponsor him at $1 for each kilometre he ran.

“I've been a senior soldier in the Lismore Corps for over 50 years now,” he said. “But this is the first time anybody in Lismore has done a run to raise funds for the Red Shield Appeal. Sponsorships have come from all interesting sides of life, Catholic priests to parliamentarians, but I still have a way to go to reach $1000.”

Kevin is hoping the community comes out and supports him on Saturday 30 May, to either run with him or watch him complete the 20km. He has a flat running track marked out and will be monitored every 5km.

“The Lismore community has been tremendous. I didn't know I had so many friends!” he said. “People are so keen to help The Salvation Army. They are such a well-respected organisation here."

 If you would like to sponsor Kevin in support of the Red Shield Appeal, or join him on this run, call him on 0412 746 650 or visit: https://virtualdoorknock-nsw.everydayhero.com/au/kevin-elsley

By Katherine Franks

Caption: Kevin Elsley (left) with Lismore Salvation Army leader Major Lindsay Reeves.