Remembering Danny

Danny Kassap’s day started every morning at 5:00am, when he would jog lightly out the front doors for training. It was hard work balancing training, school, and a part-time job. All while being new to Canada and trying to sort through complicated refugee and immigration claims.

Danny passed away unexpectedly on Sunday May 1, at the age of 28. In the running community, he was considered one of the best runners in Canada. Among his friends at Covenant House, he is remembered for his sweet nature, his determination to succeed, and his tireless smile.

“He was just a delight,” recalls Michele Anderson, his social worker at Covenant House back in 2001. “He was very kind. He touched everybody. His smile went from ear to ear.”

Originally from the Democratic Republic of Congo, Danny defected from the 2001 Francophone Games in Ottawa when he learned that his politically-involved father had been abducted from his home in the DRC. He claimed refugee status and made his way to Toronto – and, thankfully, to Covenant House. He was just 19 years old.

When a youth comes to Covenant House, their case worker helps them determine a plan – a set of goals that the youth will work towards to gain independence. It is part of the mission at Covenant House to support the youth in whatever plan they choose. It was obvious from the start that Danny’s plan was to run.

“He was clearly a competitor, on an international level,” says Michele. “He wanted to win. It was his dream to run for Canada in the Olympics someday. He was so determined.”

In addition to training, Danny attended Covenant House’s on-site high school. He found a job, was accepted to a post-secondary school and was eventually able to move into a place of his own.

As his star rose in the running community, Danny kept in touch with Michele and his friends at Covenant House. Michele’s file on Danny is thick with newspaper clippings from his many races.

“He could have been bitter,” Michele says. “He had a right to be upset at how hard his life had been. But he never was. He was everybody’s friend.”

You can read more about Danny and watch an interview with Michele by clicking here.