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Race will raise funds for Ugandan youths
By Elise Franco
canfield
Hearts for a Safe Harbor’s bottom line is to help the war-affected youths in Uganda, and an upcoming 5K race is one of its fundraising draws, said Geri Ann Klepfer.
The race begins at 8:30 a.m. Aug. 21 at the Mill Creek MetroParks Wick Recreation Area, 1861 McCollum Road in Youngstown.
Klepfer, of Bessemer, Pa., said she hopes to see at least 100 runners sign up for the event, which is in its third year. She said the group averages between $2,000 and $3,000 in donations each year for the race.
“I think it’s [special] because we are really helping people to be aware of why these children need the help,” she said. “We need to get the funds over there. The race always goes really well. We have a good time, and the runners have a good time.”
Preregistration is $15, and registration on race-day is $20. Runners who raise $100 can register for free. To register for the race or for more information, visit www.heartsforasafeharbor.org.
Hearts for a Safe Harbor was founded by Julie Maruskin in 2004 after she began doing research on the conflict in Northern Uganda.
“I was shocked that so many countries were using children in conflict,” she said.
Maruskin said the 5K race is to help support the nonprofit and its Uganda-based project that focuses on three things: providing conflict-resolution training for former child soldiers, wellness training and psycho-social skills.
“The race supports all the work we do there,” she said. “For me — and hopefully for the runners — it’s about being in solidarity with these children who suffered so much. ... It’s about the freedom of running and solidarity.”