Prince George, B.C.-  For the sixth straight year, the Red Shirt Marathon  is ready to  wind its way through Fort George Park on Saturday, the 30th.

(at right, a scene from last year’s Red Shirt Marathon – photo 250News archive)The annual event  offers an opportunity to not only  honour those  who have fallen  while in service of  Canada,  it  is a  fundraiser for Winch House in Vancouver.

“Winch House is a home away from home for  the families of  those in the armed  forces,  first responders and veterans who are undergoing medical treatment in Vancouver” says  Marathon organizer Harry Ulch.

Although the 5 km route  will be lined with  the flags of those Canadians who  lost their lives in the  Afghanistan conflict,  including former  Prince George reporter, Michelle Lang, Ulch says  people need to know  Winch House isn’t just for military  personnel and their  families.  “First responders covers a large area,  so we’re talking about fire fighters,  police,  ambulance service,  Winch House is open  to any of them.”

Located in Vancouver,  Winch House  is really there to help those who  are from all areas of the Province says Ulch “You know if  you are  undergoing medical treatment in Vancouver,  it can be pretty expensive to  rent a place, or stay in a hotel.  Winch  House is  free, and it is underutilized.”

Registration is $20 dollars,  and  gets you a  Red Shirt to  wear on the walk, but  you  don’t have to make a donation to take part  and he’s hoping  more younger people  will  take part “I’m a senior now, and I think most of the people involved  in the Legion are seniors,  but   Winch House is  available to not just military personnel and  we need to  get the word out about that.   Our Zone Commander, John Scott was just down  and inspected the place,  he was really amazed with it an it’s under used.”

Registration  takes place at Fort George Park  at 9 a.m.  with the walk set to start at 10 and the event will wrap up at 1:00.

Ulch  says  if you can’t afford  to donate the $20 dollars, come anyway.  “It’s important  that people know Winch House is available and that people use it, it’s a home away from home.”