Coach JP’s 2026 Solstice Run
Supporting the Abbotsford Summer Starfish Pack Program
On June 20, 2026, I’ll be completing a self-supported, sunrise to sunset Solstice Run.
Rather than racing for a result, this effort is about doing something challenging with intention, and using that effort to support something bigger than myself.
All funds raised through this project (fundraising link below) will support the Summer Starfish Backpack Program, helping provide food to local kids and families who experience food insecurity during the summer months when school-based programs pause.
Why the Summer Starfish Backpack Program Matters
Food insecurity doesn’t take a break when school ends.
The Summer Starfish Backpack Program, operated through Archway Community Services, is a vital resource that helps keep children fed and families supported during the summer months when access to school meal programs is unavailable.
Last year, the program supported 450 students, providing bi-weekly food packs throughout the summer. The need continues to grow, and demand is expected to increase again this year.
Your donation has a very direct, tangible impact:
$168.42 provides one student with a Starfish pack for the entire summer
$84.20 covers one month of support
$42.10 supports a child for two weeks
These contributions help reduce food stress for families and create stability during a time of year that can be especially challenging.
What Families Are Saying
Parents who have benefited from the Summer Starfish program share just how meaningful this support is:
“Without the Summer Starfish program, I don’t know how I would have managed to stretch our grocery budget.”
“With the extra help this program provided, I was able to still do summer activities with the children and hopefully created some positive core memories, without feeling any food anxiety.”
This support is about more than food alone. It’s about easing pressure on families and helping kids experience a healthier, more secure summer.
NOTE: The link above opens my fundraising page on CanadaHelps.org, where your donation gets sent straight to the charity
Why a Solstice Run
Over the past few years, my own training has shifted away from chasing peak performance and toward staying capable, healthy, and useful over the long term.
The Solstice Run fits that philosophy.
It’s not about proving toughness or setting records. It’s about preparation, patience, and showing up consistently. Pairing that effort with a fundraiser felt like the most honest way to connect a physical challenge with real-world impact.
About the Run
The Solstice Run will take place on June 20, 2026, beginning at 5:04 am (official sunrise) and concluding by 9:17 pm (official sunset).
That gives me 16 hours and 13 minutes to go as far as I can over a challenging route within daylight.
While I'm hoping I can complete 100 km of distance during that time, this isn’t about racing the clock. If I can complete it, I'll also total about 4,200 metres of elevation gain. For context, the height of Mount Everest from base to summit ranges from 3,650 to 4,650 metres, so this is no small challenge!
The time window simply reflects the natural constraint of the solstice itself, and the commitment to work steadily from start to finish and see how far I can go!
If you’re curious to follow along with my journey, you can find updates here:
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@coachjpsiou
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/j.p.siou
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jp.siou/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jp-siou/
Where Your Donation Goes
Funds raised through this campaign will support local food security initiatives through the Summer Starfish Backpack Program.
Every contribution, regardless of size, helps ensure kids and families have access to food during the summer months and supports healthier outcomes across our community.
How You Can Help
If you’d like to support food security for local kids and their families, I’d be grateful.
Use the button below to donate if you’re able
Share this page with others who care about supporting children and families in our community
Follow me on social media (links above)
Come out and support me along the route on June 20!
The run itself is one day. The impact of your support lasts much longer.
Thank you for being part of it!
NOTE: The link above opens my fundraising page on CanadaHelps.org, where your donation gets sent straight to the charity