CALGARY- A fundraising superhero has been fielding calls from around the world, after an unfortunate incident on New Year’s Eve threw him into the spotlight.
England’s Jamie McDonald has been running across Canada, trying to raise money for sick children. He made it as far as Banff and was celebrating the holiday when he was the victim of an unprovoked attack, and his belongings were stolen.
The bag was recovered, but not before McDonald was catapulted to celebrity status in the mountain town. One of the perks? The stunning Fairmont Banff Springs resort has offered to put him up in one of their luxurious suites.
“When you hear about somebody who’s had an unfortunate incident like Jamie, you want to do something good and make them feel better,” explains Lori Cote from the Banff Springs Hotel. “So, what better way than coming and staying in a castle for a night and kind of rejuvenating then getting back out on the road. Because he’s doing fantastic work.”
The worldwide attention surrounding the attack on McDonald raised concerns that Banff’s sterling reputation would be marred by the unfortunate incident. However, tourism officials hope it won’t reflect on the community.
As for McDonald, he just wants the attention to turn back to his fundraising efforts.
“I don’t want this story to be the biggest part about my run,” he says. “What I have done from St John’s, Newfoundland has been the toughest thing of my life. Yeah, this is a bit of a blow, but I just want it to be a blip.
“I just want to get running, that’s what I’m here for.”
Click here to donate to Jamie’s cause.
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