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Dash of colour in Penticton for the kids

Giving back is Sinclaire Lovett’s way of keeping her sister’s memory alive.
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Sinclaire Lovett showers brothers Duncan (left) and Logan Read with colour in preparation for the third Colours 4 Kids event this year taking place at LocoLanding. All of the proceeds with go to the OSNS Child and Youth Development Centre.

Giving back is Sinclaire Lovett’s way of keeping her sister’s memory alive.

That’s why in 2013, the year after Bronwyn Lovett died at the age of 18 due to a mitochondrial disease, Sinclaire, organized Penticton’s first Colour 4 Kids Run.

“It keeps Bronwyn alive in our hearts, she’s gone but she’s not forgotten,” said Sinclaire who is home for the summer after her first year at the University of Victoria. “It also shows that even though someone has passed on the work people did to help during that time did not go unnoticed.”

In the last two years the money raised went to the BC Children’s Hospital where Bronwyn spent much of her time, and according to Sinclaire staff there helped her sister live life to the fullest.

Because she was away from home this year Sinclaire did not have the time necessary to do the organization which is when a number of local businesses stepped up to the plate to make sure the event was able to continue.

In particular, the Wildstone Group of Companies and LocoLanding committed to make this year’s fundraiser a reality. It will take place Sunday, June 12 and the venue has been changed to LocoLanding.

“Diana (owner Diana Stirling of LocoLanding)  has been amazing and all the LocoLanding employees have been so supportive and it’s really nice to have the community behind us again. Wildstone is the main sponsor for it and it’s been absolutely incredible to have their support as well,” said Sinclaire. “As well, this year the money is going to our local Penticton cause, OSNS Child and Youth Development Centre they’ve been in our lives for a long time and it’s good to help them. Not only did they benefit our family so much, they benefit so many families in the Okanagan as well.”

According to Stirling there was no hesitation by any of the sponsors, including the Penticton Western News in getting on board.

“I know Sinclaire very well and how much she’s put into the event and how important it is to her and her family,” said Stirling. “It’s a community event and it’s fun but most importantly it is in memory of a very special sister.

“It’s a massive event and Sinclaire’s done a fantastic job and so has Maggie (Princess Margaret Secondary School) in the last two years.”

Maggie’s leadership team has also worked on this year’s run as well.

Julie Read, human resources manager for Wildstone added the event is an important one for her company as well.

“Wildstone is excited to be involved with the colour run that will benefit a local organization that provides much needed services to our community,” said Read. “We wanted to get behind an event that met three main criteria: it was local, it benefits local kids and it’s an event that families and co-workers could participate in together.”

The run begins at 10 a.m. with distances of 2.5 and five kilometres during which time volunteers at strategic points will unload a flurry of colours over participants who will emerge at the finish line in all the colours of the rainbow.

Registration is $20 and includes a T-shirt, sunglasses and a colour pack. Registration can be made in person at LocoLanding and Princess Margaret. For more information call 250-493-3947.