One man is making a difference by running from Calgary to Edmonton to bring awareness of at risk youth.

Daryl Bonar is traveling in support of the Wood’s Homes EXIT Shelter and the Youth Emergency Shelter Society’s (YESS) ‘Homeless for a Night’ event, which he will participate in Edmonton at the end of his journey.

He made his way into Red Deer Tuesday evening.

“YESS is an organization that is very close to my heart, with high risk youth being an issue I have always worked to raise awareness about,” said Bonar. “The inspirational stories of these kids and the little miracles that the staff of YESS do day in and day out will carry me through this 400 kilometre endeavor.”

Peter Fuerbringer, a friend of Bonar, said he is amazed by Bonar’s journey and is always willing to help him in any way.

“Daryl grew up in social housing himself so he knows first hand what it is like,” said Fuerbringer. “As an active member of the Canadian Forces he learned leadership skills growing up and he wanted to give kids the same opportunity, which led him to start ‘Da Bomb Squad.’”

‘Da Bomb Squad’ is a leadership program for at risk youth where they can learn life skills to keep them off the streets.

“This is one of those things that Daryl does,” said Fuerbringer. “This is how Daryl operates, he finds interesting and innovative ways to raise awareness.

“I think that anytime somebody can bring awareness to these programs is a great thing and one thing I love about Daryl is that he is probably one of the most humble guys I know.”

Fuerbringer said he is always pleased to see Bonar coming up with new projects and said he does it for a reason.

“It inspires a lot of people around him and we need more people like that who are willing to lead from the front,” said Fuerbringer.

If you would like to donate or get more information about Daryl Bonar’s journey visit www.yess.org.

tsigurdson@reddeerexpress.ca