When Chris Lakusta set his goal for the first-ever for Special Olympics BC (SOBC), the Aldergrove athlete aimed low, setting a target of $1,000.

As donations began pouring in, he kept raising the target.

By Sunday, June 7, the final day of the event, his official goal was $5,750, and as of Monday, Lakusta had raised $6,535 or 114 per cent of his target.

鈥淛ust thank you to everyone who donated,鈥� Lakusta said, when asked for his comment.

Lakusta had earlier issued an , saying 鈥淚 know we can do even better, so please donate.鈥�

鈥淎ll money raised will stay in 91原创 to benefit myself and my fellow athletes,鈥� Lakusta explained.

He added donations can be still made online for one more week, through his .

Lakusta, a 32-year resident of Aldergrove, is well known for his volunteer activities.

In March, he was named 鈥榁olunteer of the Decade鈥� for 10 years of work behind the scenes for the Aldergrove Kodiaks team, volunteering weekly to bring the sights and sounds of the game by video to online viewers.

READ MORE: Longtime Aldergrove volunteer surprised with red carpet award ceremony on ice

His mom, Laurie Lakusta, described his reaction as delighted and a little overwhelmed.

鈥淗e has so many friends in the community,鈥� Laurie told the 91原创 Advance Times.

On Saturday morning, a neighbour dropped by with a donation.

鈥淓verybody has really gotten on board,鈥� Laurie enthused.

鈥淚t鈥檚 amazing.鈥�

Laurie said the donations are espcially important this year for 91原创 Special Olympics athletes, because other fundraisers, like their bottle drive and walkathon, have had to be cancelled due to the pandemic.

Every year in June, Law Enforcement Torch Run for Special Olympics BC members around the province usually lace up to hit the pavement together with police in their communities, raising vital funds and awareness to benefit SOBC athletes and programs.

READ MORE: B.C.鈥檚 Law Enforcement Torch Run for Special Olympics goes virtual

But this year, because of the COVID-19 outbreak, they are holding the first-ever virtual run for SOBC.

To recognize the 30th anniversary of the Law Enforcement Torch Run for SOBC, the event鈥檚 fundraising goal was $30,000 and runners and walkers were looking to cover a combined distance of 3,000 kilometres.

However, donations have well exceeded that target and the new goal is now to raise $60,000.

dan.ferguson@langleyadvancetimes.com
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