Patrick “Paddy” Toon is giving people a run for their money with his campaign, which raises awareness and dollars for Haitian relief.
Toon, a Woodside resident, started a project called “Paddy Runs for Haiti” in response to the tragic earthquake that took place on January 12. For every dollar donated, Toon runs a mile, and all proceeds go to the Jean Cadet Restavek Foundation, a non-profit created to end child slavery in Haiti.
“After the earthquake I donated to Doctors Without Borders, but I wanted to do something more,” said Toon, who started running eight years ago when he moved to New York City from Indiana to pursue acting. “I set really modest goals at first, $300.”
Friends and family met his goal in five days with great enthusiasm. Toon aims to raise more than $1,700 for the Restavek Foundation, and since the start of his campaign on January 28, he has received nearly $1,400 in donations.
Founded in 2007 by his high school history teacher, Jean Robert Cadet, the Restavek Foundation provides educational opportunities and direct relief for Haitian children who are thrown into slavery as a result of poverty. Cadet was a restavek, or child slave, in Haiti until he gained an education and was able to come to the United States.
“Jean is one of the most inspiring people that I’ve ever met and to be able to give something back was great,” said Toon, who frequently updates his training blog with donations and updates of the organization’s relief efforts of providing food, shelter, and supplies.
Initially, Toon started running to get a feel for the city, and his current training route takes him from his apartment in Woodside through Astoria to Battery Park. He gives much appreciated nods to those who donate. He describes his regimen, consisting of a bi-weekly 15-20 mile run, on his blog and the campaign’s Facebook page. The sponsored miles he runs are part of his training for the New York City Marathon, which he will participate in for the first time in the fall.
Running five days a week, he is inspired to endure the weather and terrain for his cause.
“As long as people are interested in donating, I won’t stop running,” he said. “The farther I have to go, the more good we have done for the people of Haiti.”
To donate, visit Toon’s donor page at www.restavekfreedom.org, or visit the Facebook page, Paddy Runs for Haiti.
