Run for Congo Women
If you are looking for a cause to run for this may be it. Whether you run, walk or bike on your own, or participate in an organized fundraising event, there are many ways you can support the project Run for Congo Women.
Women for Women International is an organization that works with women in conflict and post-conflict environments. The worst conditions many of us could imagine living in, these women face every day and this organization is there to help. Their goal is to mobilize the women to change their lives and move from victim, to survivor to active citizen. Through programs for recovery and rehabilitation, as well as post graduate support, these women are more fully able to participate socially, economically and politically in their communities.
Run for Congo Women is one program of the Women for Women International and provides an avenue for charity fitness event participants can help the cause. Some participants raise funds by personal sponsorship for the events of their choice such as the Pittsburgh marathoner who raised more than $1500 for the project.
Those wanting to help can sponsor a woman or raise funds themselves through their fitness events and donate to the cause. In addition there are a few races around the U.S. this year which will benefit Run for Congo Women specifically. If one happens to be in your area consider spreading the word and participating yourself.
Morrison, CO 5K and 10K – September 19, 2009
Portland, OR 3 or 9 mile Run/Walk – September 19, 2009
New York, NY Run/Walk – September 26, 2009
Tempe/Phoenix, AZ 5K Run/Walk – September 27, 2009
Chicago, IL 5K Run/Walk – October 3, 2009
St. Louis, MO 4.2 Mile Run/Walk – October 17, 2009
You can register for any of the races by visiting the Run for Congo Women web-site. If you are a race coordinator, you can also devote your event to benefit Run for Congo Women if you’ve been looking for a charity to support.
A special thanks to The Happy Runner who helped spread the news and alerted us to this cause.
Women for Women International is an amazing organisation. I donned their logo in the 2008 Rallye des Gazelles (women’s only navigational rally through Morocco) raising funds for them along the way, and once again I will don my Gazelles “gilet” (vest) on September 13th in Paris doing La Parisienne. Although it is not an official WfW race, anyone can approach the organisation about either planning an event or doing a fundraiser for them. Such a good chance to help out women in post war post conflict environments!
Donna – Thanks so much for you comment! I’m so glad to hear more about the organization. I hope to do a race the next time I’m able to get near one they offer, but the opportunity to support them through a fundraiser or your own event is so great as well.
It is really easy to help Women for Women – go onto their website at http://www.womenforwomen.org and click onto “get involved” and they have fundraising ideas.
You can also be inspired by clicking onto their “get involved” blog at http://womenforwomeninternationalcommunity.wordpress.com/
And, if you click onto March 2009 you can see our support for WfW in the Rallye des Gazelles. They are great about thanking and cross-supporting those who support them. A truly fabulous organization.