Algonquin neighbors to host 5K run/1 mile walk for Africa May 21
A group of friends and neighbors in Algonquin is hosting a “no frills” 5K fun run and 1-mile pet walk on Saturday, May 21. The group calls themselves “Algonquin 4 Gambella.” They have partnered with Global Hope Network International, and have adopted the village of Gambella, Kenya.
As partners with Gambella, the group of five families has committed to raising a minimum of $5000 per year, for a minimum of three years, or until Gambella achieves what GHNI calls “Transformational Community Development Sustainability."
TCD Sustainability is defined as:
Water - enough clean water for drinking, cooking and hand washing
Food - sufficient nutritious food to mitigate chronic hunger and malnutrition
Wellness - demonstration and training in critical sanitation, hygiene and disease-prevention measures
Income - startup resources for dignified and sustainable family income generation
Education - access to primary level education for every girl and boy
Algonquin 4 Gambella raises money through a variety of efforts, and this year the group is hosting their first 5K fun run, and 1-mile pet walk at 9 a.m. Saturday, May 21 at Cornish Park in Algonquin. They are calling it Run4Gambella. However, this is not a typical 5K run — this is a "no frills" fun run, and they're having fun with it. The event is a no-frills event so that every dollar donated by run participants goes straight to the village of Gambella.
In fact, the group is asking participants to bring their own:
- T-shirt - they'll hand decorate it using markers
- Bib number from a previous race
- Water bottle or Gatorade (they won't have any for you)
- Time piece, because they're not keeping track
- If you think you're going to have a strong run, the group suggests bringing a medal or trophy for yourself
You can register for the run or walk online at http://a4gblog.org/run. Check-in begins at 8:30 a.m. on run day, and the event starts at 9 a.m. In keeping with the no frills theme, participants can name their own entrance fee (all entrance fees are accepted in the forms of donations to GHNI, which goes to the village of Gambella). Suggested donations are $25 for adults, and $15 for children. Donating online before the run is encouraged.