By KATIE DE VERTEUIL
FOR more than 30 years, Noosa local Ian Glew has been competing in half-marathons Australia-wide. Indeed he has a swag of medals to his name. While his passion for the challenges has long been to keep up personal health and fitness, and possibly to sneakily get out of a few chores But come July Glew will be running for an added purpose. Taking his place in the 37th annual Gold Coast Airport Marathon, to be held 5 July, Ian will be running to raise money to sponsor a young person to attend a Youth Insearch Camp.
Youth Insearch is a community organisation that coordinates weekend programs focused on resolving adolescent issues at a peer level for young people aged between 12-17 years.
An early-intervention program, Youth Insearch works alongside welfare agencies, schools and local police to identify ‘at-risk’ youth that will benefit from the program with the aim of reducing crime, substance abuse, binge drinking and preventing suicide in young people, as well as enhance self-esteem and productivity through empowering youth.
Ian, a Noosa Tewantin Lions Club member, was inspired to raise the funds following a speech made by youth Ali Coleman who had addressed the club at last year’s changeover. At just 18 Ali had turned her life around through the help of Youth Insearch and blown away by her story, Ian wished to help make such a difference in someone else’s life.
With strong support from fellow Lions, singlet sponsors John and Cameron Hackshaw of FCF Fire and Electrical and member for Noosa Glen Elms, Ian hopes to raise between $3000 and $4000. Just three weeks in, a total of $1500 has already been gathered for the cause.
To donate contact Ian on 0412 507 478.
