Two friends have come together to create a special project that will bring a gift from Port Alberni, B.C. all the way down to Hollywood, California.
Curtis Hargrove, also known as the Cold Lake Runner, has made a promise to his close friend Angel Magnussen to deliver a blanket that she has made to Ellen DeGeneres’ studio.
“Back in February, Angel had contacted me and told me that she had sent a blanket to the Ellen show. She saw that it got delivered but she didn’t hear a response, so I told her mom that if Angel made another blanket and wrote a letter I would personally run to the Ellen Show and deliver it by hand,” Hargrove explained.
“That way, Angel would know for sure it got delivered by someone.”
Hargrove and Magnussen met in 2012 at the Grey Cup Championship. They were both a part of the Scotiabank Game Changers Club, which provided eight people the opportunity to win $100,000 for their charity of choice.
Magnussen’s nomination, called Variety - The Children’s Charity of B.C., was the recipient of the $100,000. Magnussen was passionately involved in the organization, and eventually formed her own foundation that gives all proceeds to Variety – The Children’s Charity of B.C. and the B.C. Children’s Hospital.
The foundation she operates is Hugginz by Angel. Hugginz by Angel’s mission is to provide a warm blanket, hug and support to sick children, or those dealing with tragedy. Magnussen handmakes each blanket and sends them off with a hug and some love to those needing some comfort.
Her dream of having Ellen DeGeneres recognize this project is to be realized with the help of Hargrove.
“I’m going to be running from Port Alberni, B.C down to Ellen’s studio in Burbank, California. I’m going to run down to Victoria, catch the ferry across to Port Alberni and then straight down Highway 101. I’m going to be running roughly 50 km a day for 49 days – if I can stay on track it would be 58 marathons in 49 days,” he explained.
Hargrove and Magnussen have a great friendship, and he said he was happy to make her this offer. Magnussen’s motto is ‘Wrapping Sick Kids in a Warm Hug’ and the aim of this project is to create awareness of that mission as Hargrove travels to Burbank.
Hargrove said that he was happy to do this for her, but understands the logistics of such a lengthy trip. Hargrove previously ran across Canada in support of the Stollery Children’s Hospital Foundation.
“I’ve overcome some injuries and things in the last while, and I’ve been trying to rest up. I was in camp for three and a half weeks. I know what the trip entails and I wanted to make sure I was 100 per cent healthy for it, so I’ve made sure to stay physically active,” he said about his preparation.
“I do things like play hockey, play pick-up games but I’ve been focusing more on my family life. I’ve been away for so long in these past couple of years, and I really wanted to spend time with my family.
“I’d like to thank everyone in the City of Red Deer for coming out to the Meathead Restaurant fundraiser kick-off party and everyone that came out to support the cause. I want to thank my family and my friends and sponsors for everything they do.”
Hargrove’s journey is being documented at livestream.com/VITVca2441774/Hugginzhighway, and can be followed on Magnussen’s Twitter, @HugginzbyAngel and on Hargrove’s social media.
kmendonsa@lacombeexpress.com