Two Central Saanich Police officers issue a 24-hour running challenge 

Two Central Saanich Police Service officers have teamed up to raise money for the Victoria Youth Sanctuary and Kidsport. On Saturday, July 20, beginning at 12:00 p.m., Pat Bryant and PJ Shea will run a 4 km loop around Centennial Park every hour for 24 hours for the CSPS 2024 Backyard Ultra for Kids. 

“It's a perfect balance of two goals of promoting physical fitness and to raise awareness for these important programs” said Central Saanich Police Chief Ian Lawson. “The Victoria Sanctuary Centre provides a safe and supportive environment for Victoria’s street-entrenched and at-risk youth and KidSport provides grants to youth to help cover costs to play their favourite sport.” 

Bryant is a successful athlete who has led community events like polar bear swims, competed in triathlons for Central Saanich police at the World Police and Fire Game, and most recently was a member of the Tour de Rock in 2022. 

Shea has been a police officer for twenty-one years, ten of those in Central Saanich. He is an avid trail runner with a passion for ultra marathons. He has coached football and basketball and enjoys mentoring youth. 

Stop by Centennial Park on Wallace Drive between 12:00 p.m. July 20 and 12:00 p.m. July 21 and cheer them on.  In support of the fundraiser, Thrifty Foods in Saanichton will have a barbeque at their store location on Saturday, July 20 from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.