DOUG AND PAUL

Paul and Doug Lavoi are a super fit, fun and inspiring couple who decided to celebrate the milestone of Doug’s 50th Birthday by running 50 half marathons in 50 weeks. That’s a feat unto itself, but they went a step beyond and ran in support of the Calgary Food Bank. Their original goal of $50,000 raised before Doug’s 50th birthday in September was surpassed in June, and they quickly made the decision to add another $50,000 to the goal! The guys say, “Birthdays can be a moment for all of us to celebrate and reflect upon how we can be our best version; not only for ourselves, but also our community”. The 50th run was completed on Doug’s 50th birthday on September 24. The final amount donated on behalf of Paul and Doug, in support of Doug’s 50th birthday is an incredible $138,211. Generous donations like these, by citizens who want to make a real difference, not only help to feed thousands of people but also foster a sense of community and gratitude.  

“Fitness philanthropy” represents a new form of giving where displays of fitness are increasingly also tied to displays of civic engagement. The growth of fitness philanthropy highlights changing responsibilities for health and wellness and addresses key sociological concerns with identity, community, and civic engagement, that are now manifest in sports charity challenges. Catherine Palmer & Zack Dwyer – School of Social Sciences, University of Tasmania, Australia