Chris Stanger, Runner
I was born in Scotland and moved to Canada in 2009 with my wife and children. My work experience has been mainly focused in water services, and I currently am the Chief Utility Operator for the Town of Qualicum Beach. My fantastic team, who work tirelessly to achieve the best quality drinking water and safest sanitary system, makes my job very fulfilling.
In my spare time I am fortunate to work with not one, but two, Volunteer Fire Departments: Qualicum Beach Fire Rescue and Courtenay Volunteer Fire Department (where I reside). In Scotland I worked with Scottish Water and volunteered as a firefighter with Scottish Fire and Rescue. Water and fire have been my mainstays since my teenager years.
As first responders, we have to respond and deal with many incidents that people shouldn’t have to face. Knowing we have the support of our colleagues and organizations like the Wounded Warriors is a great comfort. Helping people have clean drinking water and safe sanitation while also helping to put out fires, literally speaking, with the fire services, keeps me extremely busy. Still, I would not have it any other way knowing that I am making a difference for others.
The Wounded Warriors is a much-needed service for many veterans, first responders and their families who have had to live with occupational stress injuries, on top of all their daily demands and incidents. Being part of this fantastic team is a true honour. As we run over 700,000 steps in an 8-day journey, I am encouraged that it might make a difference in someone’s life by shouting out the message that “help is available”, and “you are not alone”. The 700,000 Steps helps others make their first steps, so please donate what you can to help the Wounded Warriors help others. Every little bit helps! All the money raised on Vancouver Island stays on Vancouver Island.
Remember “it’s good to talk, so let’s help them talk.”
