By Fairouz Gaballa
Photo Submitted by Matthew Sheriko
Camp Triumph is a non-profit organization–and a registered charity–for children whose relatives are affected by chronic illness or disabilities like cancer or autism.
The camp runs solely on fundraisers, and it is completely free of charge for those children.
Due to COVD-19, a lot of their events were cancelled; however, to make up for missed events, they are hosting the “Triumphant 5K” race this Saturday, October 17th!
Matthew Sheriko met with the Cadre this week to discuss Camp Triumph and the Triumphant 5K.
Sheriko was quick to give Callie Thomson credit for coming up with the idea for the Triumphant 5K. Thomson is a third-year UPEI student, and she’s also one of Camp Triumph’s summer staff.
“She got things organized, went out and asked for donations for the event, and really got the ball rolling on it,” Sheriko told the Cadre.
Sheriko and his family started the camp 16 years ago.
Growing up, Sheriko’s dad had brain cancer, and his mom, Kathi Sheriko, had chronic pain and mobility issues as a result of a car accident; she also later found out that she had breast cancer.
“We knew there were a lot of camps out there for kids who are sick, kids who had challenges…so we thought it would be good for these kids [who live and have to take care of a parent or sibling with a chronic illness or disability] to be highlighted as well.”
“They’re usually the ones who are in the background, don’t want to cause a stir, any extra stress for the family, they’re there as young people helping to take care of a parent or sibling…have a focus on them, highlight them, help push them to their full potential and have fun,” Sheriko commented.
The Triumphant 5K is a fundraising event that is meant to help Camp Triumph continue to help kids all over the island.
The Triumphant 5K is open to any runner, beginner or experienced; there is also a family walk/run. To register, it costs $25, and you can register through: The Running Room. The run will be on October 17th, and it will take place at Camp Triumph, 407 King Street, Malpeque, PEI.
To keep safety measures in place, the men’s run will be at 1 pm, the women’s run will be at 2:30 pm, and the family run/walk will be at 4 pm.
If charity isn’t the reason you run the Triumphant 5K, the course may be the reason you run, it begins at Camp Triumph, takes you through Cabot Beach Provincial Park and loops back to finish at Camp Triumph.
“The course is really nice too, it’s perfect for fall running outside,” Sheriko told the Cadre.
Even better, there will be medals for everyone that crosses the finish line, medals and prizes for the top three runners in each category, and free food for everyone.
Camp Triumph hires university students every summer to work, and they are always open to volunteers. If you are interested, you can email: info@camptriumph.ca.