Jul 1 2010 @ 15:15

Vancouver Run to End Poverty a success!

This past weekend in Vancouver, an impressive 120 EWBers participated in the Run to End Poverty - making it the most successful event yet. In bright orange shirts, the runners came together to raise awareness and funds for EWB’s programs in Southern Africa.

And raise funds, they certainly did. The Vancouver Run to End Poverty team raised almost $30,000 in support of EWB’s Water and Sanitation work in Malawi!

Importantly, these funds will ensure that we can expand our programs building safe and hygienic sanitation practices into some of Malawi's most rural communities. EWB will now be able to work in 5 additional districts, now helping more than 4 million Malawians improve their sanitation habits.

The entire Vancover Run to End Poverty team celebrating their accomplishment together after the race.

“The Vancouver team drew the attention of thousands of runners and spectators at the race with our orange shirts, information booth, cheering groups, and outreach volunteers in the crowd,” says Christian Beaudire, Run to End Poverty founder.

The crowd couldn’t miss the 120 orange shirts crossing the finish line, creating awareness about the challenges facing rural African communities. Even after the race, EWBers could be spotted speaking to the marathon spectators about the importance of EWB’s work.

“I hope that the Vancouver Run to End Poverty will have a positive and lasting impact, and will help to turn attention towards international development initiatives that aim to create opportunity for rural Africans,” notes Christian.

Christian had the idea for the Run to End Poverty in 2007 while working as an overseas volunteer for EWB in Ghana. He felt that through simultaneous marathons in Canada and Africa, he could help raise awareness about extreme poverty in Africa while taking action to create change.

Now, three years and many runs later, the success of the Vancouver run is just one example of how his big dream has had a major impact on the lives of thousands of rural Africans.

Congratulations to entire Vancouver Run to End Poverty team!

Find the next Run to End Poverty near you:runtoendpoverty.ca

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