Running for hope: Young man’s cross

James Newman lost both parents as a child and now he is running from Newfoundland to British Columbia to raise $250,000 for post-secondary scholarships through the Children’s Aid Foundation of Canada.

James Newman’s running shoes hit the pavement on Wednesday as he jogged through North Bay, Ont., continuing a journey that began in St. John’s, Nfld., on May 18. The 22-year-old from Oakville is aiming to run 7,500 kilometres across Canada, concluding in Victoria, B.C., with a goal of becoming the youngest person to complete the trek in under 100 days.

Newman told CTV News that his motivation is rooted in a childhood marked by a profound loss. When he was only seven years old, both of his parents died. In the years that followed, he grew up supported by a network of friends, other family members and his community.

“There were times when I felt alone.”

“I’d say one of the biggest things I want to get out there is that they’re not alone,” Newman said.

Fueling futures through education

The run, called James Run Canada, is a fundraising initiative for the Children’s Aid Foundation’s post-secondary education program. Newman said he hopes to raise $250,000 to create scholarships for youth who, like him, have experienced displacement during childhood.

As he ran along Highway 17, leaving North Bay, Newman checked the donation tracker.

“We’re over halfway to our goal. It’s amazing,” he said.

The foundation has funded renewable scholarships for about 30 years and during that time, it has delivered more than $25 million in scholarships to almost 9,000 youth, with demand growing.

Jeff Schiffer, the foundation’s president and CEO, emphasized the significance of Newman’s effort.

“It is inspiring. James knows what it’s like to not have somebody there to support him in life’s most difficult moments,” Schiffer said.

“That’s the reality for the 61,000 kids that are living in out-of-home care on any given day in Canada.

“The fact that he is carving a pathway right across this country in ways that are going to create pathways towards education for youth is beautiful.”

Schiffer explained to CTV News the stark educational statistics facing youth in care and why the scholarships Newman is funding are so vital.

“We know that education is the fastest and most powerful pathway to independence.”

In Ontario, it is estimated that only about 46 per cent of children who grow up in care graduate from high school, compared to 83 per cent of the general population.

“Of those who graduate, only 27 per cent go to post-secondary education and that’s about half of the rate of the average Canadian,” said Schiffer.

“So, the disparity is large”

Every $5,000 raised by Newman can be turned into one scholarship for one year. Schiffer said that the foundation amplifies this support through wraparound services, ensuring that when a youth receives a scholarship, it is not a one-time resource.

“When a youth comes and gets a scholarship at the foundation, it’s renewable for the entire leg of their journey,” he said.

“When a youth gets one of those scholarships, they’re not just receiving a little bit of financial support. They’re getting some wraparound services.”

Throughout his run, Newman has met many new people who have come out to cheer him on and support him. He has participated in some charity visits and events with youth, while also reigniting old friendships from his childhood. He said these encounters provide the motivation to continue pushing westward each day.

“Every single time visit, I just get re-energized again,” Newman said.

“I reconnect with my mission.”

Newman also shared a message for the young people he is running to support.

“There’s a brighter future ahead of you and you should never give up,” he said.