Haines takes to the road to feed local kids

| 13/09/2013

(CNS): Local veteran marathon runner Derek Haines will be pounding the pavement again in December when he runs the 2013 Cayman marathon after turning 65 next month. As usual, Haines won’t be running the 26+ miles for free as he will be raising cash for a local charity. This year, the endurance racer will be hoping to raise $30,000 for the 'Feed our Future Cayman Islands' summer meals programme to contine giving local kids at least one decent meal a day when school is on break because so many of them are dependent on school lunches. The running Rotarian is  looking for sponsors, who will have their brands on his shirt. Now that his pace is a little slower than in years gone by, he said, they get great value for their money.

“A growing numbers of students in our community rely on subsidised or free school meals each day as for many this is the only meal they will receive. In fact, current statistics show that over 20% of the enrolled government school population for the Cayman Islands are being provided government assisted lunches," he said. “Every child needs nutritious food. If children do not receive nourishment they cannot learn, they cannot behave to expectation, they will not remain healthy. Health risks include obesity, diabetes and other associated illnesses.”

He explained that to implement the summer programme the Feed our Future project needs in the region of CI$30,000, based on a target of making available weekly grocery credit or goods valued at up to $50 for 50 plus children’s families.

Haines said he has continued training in preparation for the 1st December marathon and is now looking for sponsors. A company that invests $5,000 will be recognised in the local media and in other advertisements, including the Feed our Future website. He said it was also an excellent PR tool for companies, which will be associated with a very good cause.

“For individuals, and as an added incentive, for each pledge of $25 a guess of Haines’ finishing time can be made and the winner will receive six bottles of Veuve Clicquot Ponsardin for the closest guess.

To help guessers out, Haines said his fastest time is 2hrs 59mins. However, that was 27 years ago and not likely to be repeated in this lifetime. Last year he finished in just over 4 hours.

For more information about the charity go to www.feedourfuturecayman.org.

See more about Haines below.
 

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  1. Anonymous says:

    Derek should, in truth, be chasing down criminals as well. He was a great bobby, and even though I got done for various motoring issues whilst in the U.K., including one very memorable instance in which I got pulled over for speeding in my TR4A by an officer on foot – he just stuck his hand out after placing himself in the middle of the road, unbelievably – I hold ex-coppers like Derek in the highest esteem. God bless him.

    • Anonymous says:

      Go they Mr Haines, Cayman is still supporting you in all you have done and still doing.  We welcome your efforts and we appreciate it all.  May God continue to bless you and your family.

  2. Paul Young says:

    Time to recognize our Cayman super hero's.  Derek's definitely one that deserves this designation. We should all aim to be as good as this gentleman.

    keep ruuning my friend, may you live forever for your kindness.

    PY

  3. Anonymous says:

    Thanks Mr. Haines – I give you a toot everytime I see you on the road. I admire you and your faithfulness. GOD's speed!

     

  4. Anonymous says:

    Police force take note. This is what it takes to chase criminals!

  5. Anonymous says:

    Derek is due a nomination for Youth Services National Hero Award. Thank you for your selfless contributions to Cayman's children. 

  6. 4Cayman says:

    Well done Derek. I truly believe you should be the commissioner. In comparison to you know who. you outrun him in every aspect no matter what Bridget, Duncan and Dan say.

    keep up the good work!

  7. Cayman C says:

    Derek is and always has been a great credit to these fair islands.  We thank him and appreciate him!!!

  8. David Shibli says:

    The comment at 8:51 was certainly tongue in cheek and I think Derek would take it in his stride, if you know what I mean? Go Derek.

  9. Knot S Smart says:

    Thank you Mr. Haines for your community oriented effort.

    I will send a contribution in the mail and I encourage others to do the same…

  10. Anonymous says:

    Folks,

    8:51 can speak for his or herself, but I got the sense that this person was being sarcastic.  It's possibly a friend of Mr. Haines pulling his leg.

    Maybe I'm wrong but it seems you folks are taking things a little too seriously.

    Derek can take a joke. So why don't you?

  11. Derek Haines says:

    Thanks for your super support folks. I hope I am not wrong because I thought the comment re me being an antique was a tongue in cheek laugh at one of the bloggers following the conviction on Levitt the fraudster earlier this week.

    I had a laugh anyway. Need one on a Friday afternoon.

    • Anonymous says:

      Nice one Derek, wishing you strong legs and full lungs on the day.  Agree that I thought the comment was irony/tongue in cheek but I have found that irony is not really understood this side of the pond so I stay well clear of it.  Quite a lot of people almost seem to enjoy taking offence, it gives them a sense of righteous indignation…..what can you do?  Thumbs up and fingers crossed for a successful run for such a worthy cause.

    • Anonymous says:

      Much respect Mr. Haines. I appreciate that you are given back more than alot of people do. This is not an easy challenge and we admire the gesture.
      You need to do a bio. It surely would be worth the read.

  12. Anonymous says:

     

    So much anger for one little place. Do any of you know what the only word in the English Language to contain each of the five vowels only once each, in alphabetical order, is? I'll give you a hint, it's related to the comment at 08:51

     

    • Cowitch says:

      Only one? I think you are a bit abstemious with the truth, or perhaps you are just being facetious.

  13. Anonymous says:

    Should have been our Police Commissioner..appears he has invested his life in Cayman and to its future generations…XXXX

    • Cayman C says:

      Hear Hear, the poltical powers that be missed the boat on that talent potential. 

      He is doing well in his own right, but most of us wish he never left the RCIPS.  Respect, dear Sir, RESPECT.

  14. Time says:

    This comment goes out to 8:51 your comment regarding Mr. Haines, I sincerly hope that no disaster befalls on your house,  and if you have childrean that they never knows how it feels to be hungry.  While you may sit on your high horse,  always remember disatser happens every day, and not even money can save you, your lesson will be taught soon enough. 

    I Heartily congratulate Mr. Hanines and the other charties for their work. Aleast  what he is doing he has bigger balls to acknowledge that we do have local kids that go hungry, regardless of the situation that puts them in that category,  not every parent go and do their hair and nails.  I for one voluntary to provide four kids that go to primary school and pay for their lunches out of my pocket . For the record I am not rich I depend on my paycheck every month, I also have two young boys.

    While i may get backlashed, some folks will say well what about the other kids that go hungry my answer is simply this if you know a child that is going through a situation like this,  lend a helping hand, don't just simply gossip or point your finger even if it's a dollar that child would be grateful.  Mr. Hanines I wish you a safe and healthy run. 

  15. Anonymous says:

    Great job Derek!

    • MBE says:

      Derek raised over $75,000 this year for Cancer (Chemo Center at Hosp)

      I get tired of seeing Board appointments, cushy jobs, and even MBEs handed out like candy to non-deserving politicos and cronies when we have a real local hero like Derek go on with the battle without fanfare….he served our RCIPS better than any and still contributes through charity and grace.  We all should take note of this man.

      CNS- how about a weekly noteable person?  We have so many?

      CNS: Anyone can post a forum topic about someone's notable achievements.

  16. Anonymous says:

    Come on CNS bloggers: Mr. Haines is originally from another country, works for Dart, and is a Rotarian.  You must have something negative to say about him and this project!

    • Anonymous says:

      You dont worry…. Caymanians certainly know and appreciate good people and Derrick is one of them. Even those that Derrick had to lock down respect the man as he was very straight and fair. Not only targeting the poor little Caymanian boys. We all love you Derrick.

  17. Anonymous says:

    Way to go Derek! Your annual committment to local charities continues to inspire!

  18. Anonymous says:

    Surely antiquated gentlemen such as Mr. Haines have better things to be getting on with than selfless charitable projects such as this?

    • noname says:

      He probably does have others things to do, but I do not see anyone else lining up to donate over CI 100K each year to charities.

    • Will Ya Listen! says:

      Surely moronic individuals shouldn't actually be wasting time writing in to newspapers when they are depriving some village of aperfectly good idiot. It is hard to remember a more uncharitable comment in these posts. Shame on you.

      On a lighter note maybe Derek will run into Manderson although, to be fair, he has 4 weeks head start. Good luck, Derek.

       

    • Anonymous says:

      What a spiteful person you are – I wonder what you have done for charity lately.

      All the best to Mr Haines, your contributions to the community are much appreciated by most.

       

       

    • Anonymous says:

      How can you be so cold hearted?  Why don't you follow suit.  I'm sure if you ran on your hot air you could win the race!

      • Anonymous says:

        Please do not even waste your time responding to that comment.  I should be a law that idiots cannot have access to the internet!!  Thank you Mr. Hanes.  I cannot run a Marathon but I sure donate to this worthy cause every year.  I wish you health and strength.

        • Rorschach says:

          It should be a law that idiots cannot have access to the internet!!

           I agree, but I would get pretty bored only talking to you all the time… 😀

    • Anonymous says:

      What a sad comment to make on an gentleman giving back to his community.  Perhpas it is you who should be looking for "better things to be getting on with" than making such comments?

    • Anonymous says:

      Antiquate yourself. Anyone who can do this at that age and in such good times and raise that much money is fitter than the proverbial fiddle in body and mind. Go get'em Mr Haines!

    • Anonymous says:

      What a rude and uncharitable comment!    Firstly, Mr. Haines is not antiquated.    He is a wonderful supporter of local charities here in Cayman and has probably raised hundreds of thousands of dollars over the years.    I wish he would challenge you to a long distance run, and I wonder what the results would be.   And 08.51, have you raised any funds for anyone.    Thank you Derek for all you do and I guarantee many will give this comment a thumbs up.    You are credit to humanity. xxx   

      • Anonymous says:

        Hilarious!!!! I read the blog from 8.51, and he was obviously being facetious in his comment and supportive of Derek and not mean spirited.  This seems to have prompted a lot of Rotarians who are still feeling the sting, to form the tribal stance, and rally in defence ('disaster and a pox on your home writer 8.51')!  Give it a rest. Get on with it and try to play nicely all of you (including you Rotarians, remember is it fair to all concerned, will it build good will etc etc)  LOL!!!!

    • Anonymous says:

      You are an ass for your comment!!!!

    • Diogenes says:

      A number of the posters should look up the definition of irony before venting. 

    • Anonymous says:

      This is obviously written by a Rotarian having a piss at Derek in response to a post on the Levitt story last week. The person was not being serious, people. I realise that the nuances of language are lost on many, but everyone needs to get a sense of humour, just like Derek. Keep it up, Derek! You're a inspiration to all (especially antiquated gentlemen and those who are just antiquated!).

    • Anonymous says:

      65 is new 45, antiquated don't start until 90…at least now and who knows what 90 yo would be capable of  in 20 years.