RANKIN INLET - A charity fundraiser that hopes to see every kid in Rankin Inlet with gym shoes was announced this past week.

The Midnight Sun Run will be held in Rankin on June 22, with participants walking or running from Rankin out on the land near Apache Pass.

Co-organizer Fred Montpetit said the idea for the Midnight Sun Run originated from five friends sitting around talking about how they should have a run and a barbecue on the longest night of the year.

The idea took life and grew to be a community event.

Montpetit said the immediate benefit of the event is the improvement in the overall health and well being of the community due to the physical fitness and participation involved.

He said the organizers are working to ensure every child in Rankin who needs them has good shoes to wear in the gym, and anything else the group can do with the money it raises to promote physical fitness with kids.

Jake Punshon and Montpetit appeared before hamlet council this past week to ask the hamlet's support in ensuring the road is in decent shape for the event and placing portable toilets along the course for when nature calls.

"We'll actually have water-break stations along the way which will have the portable toilets available, and we also plan to hold a giant community barbecue at the end of the event," said Montpetit.

"It promises to be a fun time in addition to being a good local charity."

Montpetit said people can pay a $20 registration fee to take part in the event, or they can sponsor a participant.

The early bird registration date is May 1, which ensures those registering will receive an event T-shirt and finisher medal.

People can go to the Tapariit building and seek out Montpetit, Carla Punshon or Tish Wilson or sign up.

There are also forms on the event website (www.midnightsunrun.net) for people to enter or to volunteer to help out during the event.

Those who raise $200 or more in sponsorships will have the registration fee returned.

Participants also have their name entered in a draw for yet-to-be-determined prizes for every $100 they raise in sponsorships. Montpetit said organizers will have plenty of notices up around the community and items will be secured to promote the event, such as buttons and hats.

"We're getting a little excited because we're starting to get interest and involvement from the community.

"We've already had people contact us through our website to tell us they'd like to volunteer for the event.

"This has a chance of becoming an exciting event that will get the community active and help out some kids along the way."