Perdita Felicien initiates fundraiser for Right To Play

PICKERING -- Now that she has her hurdles career back on track, Perdita Felicien has another project she hopes takes flight.

The Pickering athlete is attempting to raise $7,000 by the end of her competitive season in September for the Right To Play foundation, which helps bring sport to kids in disadvantaged areas. Felicien has pledged to donate $12.46, the equivalent to her personal best in the 100m hurdles, every time she races. She's asking Canadians, fans, friends and anyone who believes in the program to donate the same.

A member of the group since 2007, the 28-year-old wanted to take her involvement to another level.

"I want to do more than just be a name or go to the sponsor dinners and sign autographs," she says. "I decided to put my money where my mouth is."

Started in 1992, Right To Play is an international humanitarian organization that raises funds through sport for some of the most disadvantaged areas of the world. A number of Olympic athletes from around the world have joined in support of the program.

"In Canada, it's something we don't really have to think about because kids are always outside playing," says Felicien of the advantages kids in this country enjoy, compared to others around the world.

Anyone wishing to donate to the initiative can visit www.righttoplay.com/perdita for more information.

Felicien has a busy schedule planned leading up to the World Championships from Aug. 18-19 in Germany. Her July schedule includes races in Norway (July 3), Switzerland (July 7), Rome (July 10), Monaco (July 28) and Sweden (July 31).