Wayland Native Running Boston Marathon, Fundraising For Homeless

WAYLAND, MA - When he crosses the finish line at Copley Square, Angelo Ferreira won't just be completing his first-ever marathon. He'll also be raising money for Massachusetts' homeless population.

"My dad used to drive his truck out on Thanksgiving and deliver turkeys," Ferreira said. The 23-year-old Fordham student, currently pursuing a bachelor's degree in finance, grew up in Wayland. His family, including his twin brother and sister, have deep ties to community advocacy.

Longtime supporters of Pine Street Inn, a Boston-based homeless support network and New England's leading organization dedicated toward ending homelessness with services ranging from emergency help to workforce development programs, the Ferreiras have spent years serving Wayland's disenfranchised.

Now, Ferreira is looking to raise funds through a more athletic way - running in the Boston marathon.

"This is going to be my first marathon," he said. "I grew up playing sports, but long distance never really piqued my interest."

But for nearly 12 years, helping out the homeless community has been a constant in his life. Through GivenGain, a nonprofit income boosting tool partnered with the Boston Marathon, Ferreira will be part of more than the $40 million in charity funds raised every year by the annual race.

After the race is done, he'll go back to bartending in the Bronx and working toward his degree. But for now, the Wayland native has his eyes set on 26 miles of benefit for the Commonwealth's homeless.

"This is why I want to run," Ferreira said. "Just knowing the impact it will have on the community and helping those that really need it."