Marathon Quest 250 - Marathon Quest 250

Marathon Martin Parnell Exceeds Target $250,000 for Right to Play

Jan. 18, 2011 – The five dollar cheque from Tennessee came with a hand-written note that summarizes the feelings of Marathon Quest 250 supporters worldwide – “Wonderful story ... Wish I could send more.”

Every little bit has accumulated to a whole lot more – Martin Parnell has reached his goal of raising $250,000 for Right To Play, an international organization that uses sport and play programs to improve the lives of children and communities in some of the most disadvantaged areas of the world.

The fundraising accomplishment comes on the tail of Parnell completing his 250th marathon of 2010 on New Year’s Eve.

“I was relieved to complete marathon 250 and thrilled to have reached my goal of $250,000,” says Parnell. “It means 5,000 more children will benefit from a Right To Play program and that is what the ‘Quest’ has always been about.”

Five-thousand? Make that 5,600.

Parnell’s former employer, Xstrata Nickel in Sudbury, Ontario, pledged an additional $30,000 to the Quest. “Xstrata Nickel is very proud to support Martin’s Marathon Quest 250 campaign,” says former colleague and Senior Vice President of Projects and Exploration, Steve Flewelling. “We applaud his super-human efforts on behalf of Right to Play to improve the lives of children where it is needed most.”

Parnell will continue to accept donations to Marathon Quest 250 until Feb. 4, 2011.

Not only has Parnell completed a feat of endurance and charity, he has also brought an invaluable amount of attention to Right To Play’s cause.

“Martin has been instrumental in raising awareness of (Right To Play’s) work,” says Robert Witchel, National Director of Right To Play, Canada. “He is also inspiring children and adults alike to be active and to believe that even the most audacious goals are possible. Martin embodies the spirit of Right To Play and truly understands how sport can transform lives.”

Building on the momentum of Parnell’s success, in February, Right To Play will launch the inaugural Canadian Awareness Program (CAP). Kicking off in Calgary, CAP has been designed to increase awareness about Right To Play, and give donors the opportunity to hear from Right To Play’s beneficiaries visiting from Africa.

For supporters in both Calgary and Edmonton, it is also an opportunity to hear the Marathon Man speak about the inspiration for Marathon Quest 250, why he chose Right To Play as the beneficiary and the impact of sport. Parnell will address audiences at a free public awareness event held in both cities.

Join Right To Play on Feb. 1, 2011, at the University of Calgary’s MacEwan Hall to officially congratulate Parnell on his incredible physical achievement and to thank him for his remarkable contribution. At Calgary’s public awareness event, Parnell will be joined by visiting representatives from the field in Ghana, as well as Canada Women’s Hockey four-time Olympic medalist Hayley Wickenheiser.

For more information on Right To Play’s Canadian Awareness Program and to register for a free public awareness event near you, please click here