Vancouver Sun
Published: Wednesday, February 13, 2008

VANCOUVER - For Chip Wilson, founder of the Vancouver-based Lululemon fashions, raising money for charity is an uphill battle - one he hopes the rest of us will join him in fighting.

Wilson announced plans Tuesday to stage the first annual “Chip’s Not Dead Yet Memorial Mile,” an uphill one-mile dash along West 10th Avenue, from Alma to Blanca Street, on June 20.

Funds raised will go towards the BC Children’s Hospital.

The top male and female runners, meanwhile, stand to gain $20,000 each in a bid to attract the best athletes from around the world.

Wilson also promises to match contributions up to $100,000 from other participants.

“Vancouver and this province have been very good to me and the time has come for me to start paying back,” Wilson said in a press release announcing the event.

Wilson said he has experienced first-hand the “brilliant work” done by hospital staff when one of his own children faced what he referred to as a “health challenge.”

That was enough to prompt him to organize the run, which he hopes will become and annual event providing ongoing financial support to the hospital.

Wilson said he aims to raise $1.5 million over the first three years of the run, “and many more millions of dollars down the road.”

Sue Carruthers, president and CEO of BC Children’s Hospital Foundation, said she was thrilled by the news.

“He [Wilson] is a prominent member of our community and it means a lot to us and to the kids who receive care at BC Children’s Hospital, to have him put his considerable energy into supporting our cause.”

The “mile” may have a serious intent, but Wilson wants to make it a huge, summer family fun affair as well.

There are plans for an after-race party, with entertainment and carnival rides for kids.

“Wear what you want, run in the buff if you want. Just come along and participate,” he said. “I want to see whole families taking part. The aim here is raise much-needed funds to help B.C. kids get well.”