February 18, 2009
Chip's Not Dead Yet founder happy with charity run
Second annual Memorial Mile takes place June 20
By DHARM MAKWANA, 24 HOURS

Lululemon founder Chip Wilson is ready for the second annual Chip's Not Dead Yet memorial mile. (CARMINE MARINELLI, 24 HOURS)

Unsightly bridesmaid dresses are in vogue – perhaps for the first time ever – thanks to a man who made his name clothing Vancouver’s fittest.

Lululemon founder Chip Wilson will host the second annual Chip’s Not Dead Yet Memorial Mile June 20. The unconventional event of 10 themed waves – including a bridal dash, high-heel run and pooch parade – has runners trekking continuously up hill in Vancouver’s West Side.

Wilson said, the one-of-a-kind event to benefit the B.C. Children’s Hospital offers families and runners of all skill levels a chance to have fun and give back to the community.

“I know that the more I give in the world the more I get back,” said Wilson, a father of five. “I find a lot of people, including myself up to a certain age didn’t reach that bridge, the more you give the richer your life is.”

Wilson is spending $150,000 out of pocket to ensure this year’s event becomes one in a long line of charity runs.

By 2015, Wilson hopes to raise $1 million annually for B.C. Children’s Hospital through his Memorial Mile.


“As a father, Chip’s been touched by Children’s Hospital,” said Shelley Sainsbury, a philanthropy officer with the hospital. “I think a lot of people have that connection and then there are those that go the extra mile, like Chip has, and make it even better for when those kids do need help.”

CANOE.CA