Tri-ing for Humanity (T4H) is a simple group whose ultimate mission is to raise funds for as many charities as possible. Every year this small group will choose one charity and raise as much money as possible for them. In 2012 the charity of choice was the SickKids Foundation and in 2013 the charity will be the Terry Fox Foundation.
The one aspect of this group that will remain constant is that no profit is to be made. This group is about creating change in the world – not change in our pockets. Every stroke in the water, every revolution of the pedal, and every stride during a run is now officially helping create a positive future.
Triathlon World: Could you describe the mission statement of Tri 4 Humanity?
Terry Lampropoulos : The main purpose of Tr-ing for Humanity is to support as many charities as possible. Every year our group of members and athletes will work together to support 1 or 2 charities and allow our community to prosper. Although I personally started participating in triathlons in 2011, I started Tri-ing for Humanity in 2012. In 2012, $1050.00 was raised for The Sick Kids Foundation (the hospital for Sick Children in Toronto). In 2013, our group will be supporting The Terry Fox Foundation and the St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church in Toronto.
Triathlon World : What are the goals and who are the members of the Team?
Terry Lampropoulos : This team is made up entirely of volunteers who want to bring positive change in their communities. The athletic goals of each member vary but the idea is very much the same – complete a triathlon or some sort of endurance event. My sister, Eleni Lampropoulos, and my cousin, Chris Bargis, want to participate and complete a triathlon in 2013. However, my friend Julie Lafazanidis, who just joined the team, only wants to complete a half-marathon in 2013. As you can see, our goals are all different but we support each other and, in turn, support the charities and organization we identify as pillars to our community.
Triathlon World : What are the Foiundations (NGO) that you support?
Terry Lampropoulos : As I mentioned above, in 2012 Tr-ing for Humanity raised awareness and $1051.00 for The Sick Kids Foundation (http://my.sickkidsdonations.com/personalPage.aspx?registrationID=1442571&langPref=en-CA). In 2013, my team will be supporting two groups: The Terry Fox Foundation (cancer research) and the St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church. With regards to monetary goals, I do not like to put financial figures out there because ANY support is good support. We are not begging people for their money because it is about raising awareness just as much as it is about money.
Triathlon World : What are your goals concerning your involvement with Triathlon?
Terry Lampropoulos : In 2011 I wanted to finish a triathlon. The minute I crossed that finish line I was addicted and wanted to continue with this sport. My current goal is to race internationally (representing Greece) in a triathlon. My current goal is to prepare to go and compete for Greece at the 2014 ITU Age Group World Championships (sprint). There is a lot of time before that race and if I be worthy enough to compete I will be grateful. After that race, I will look forward to deciding where I want to go with triathlon on an international basis. The next few years seem to be very exciting.
