When Doug Flis and his wife Jennifer Johnston, owners of Runner's Den in Grimsby, saw first hand the challenges youth in St. Lucia had getting to school, they knew they wanted to do something to help.

As part of the Cruise to Run, organized by local race group Instride Productions, the couple went on a tour and talked to the people on the island. While they were there they learned of the hardships students face when making the transition to high school.

"When they're done Grade 8 they have to pass a test to go to high school," said Flis. "Even if they pass, though, 90 per cent of them can't afford the cost of busing to get to the schools."

Flis was compelled to do something, and last year he converted his annual Dream Maker Run to the Run for the Bus -- a fundraiser to support the students on the Caribbean island. This year he continues the Run for the Bus on Saturday, July 26. Starting at 7 a.m. he will run as long as 12 hours to complete a 58-mile run (in honour of him turning 58 in May) in support of the cause.

"Having seen it first hand, it became a personal thing," he said. "If they don't end up in school, they end up selling things on street corners or worse."

The community, said Flis, is invited to participate in whatever way they can. From 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., there will be a charity barbecue. Anyone can stop by to cheer him on or make a pledge to sponsor him. Local runners can join him for one of his 23, two-and-a-half kilometre loops of the downtown core, and they are welcome to collect their own pledges too.

"All money raised will go to the cause," said Flis.

Anyone wishing for more information or wanting to make a pledge can do so by visiting Runner's Den, 60 Main St. E. in Grimsby, or by calling 905-309-0289.