The Fellowship Bible Church and RUN 12:1 club recently hosted a 5K event in Mantua to support Ukraine.
Utilizing the flat trails at Chestnut Branch Park, the “Inspiring Hope for Ukraine” run included an on-site 5K as well as a virtual challenge that could be completed anywhere, and a one-mile run and walking option.
All proceeds will be donated to Christian churches in Ukraine that are currently providing food, water, hygiene kits and other necessary assistance to their impacted communities.
“Fellowship Bible Church is working directly with pastors in the Ukraine that are providing aid to those in need,” Event Coordinator Robin Herrmann said. “The FBC (Fellowship Bible Church) community wanted to do the fundraiser as a way to provide additional aid.”
With the crisis in Ukraine in the news since February, many people have wanted to help its citizens without knowing how. Alongside race director David Willard, Herrmann came up with the idea to create a local fundraising event that will benefit the war-torn country.
“Since many people do not know how to support those in need in the Ukraine, this offers the community a safe way to support these efforts,” she said.
While registration was relatively low for an event provided by the church, the run hosted about 50 participants. Volunteers from the church and community helped the outdoor event run smoothly.
“The volunteers [assisted] with promotion of the event as well as helped set up, direct runners along the course and clean up the day of the event,” Herrmann said.
The Sewell church also accepted monetary donations and sponsorships. For more information, visit aboutfbc.org or the Fellowship Bible Church Facebook page.
RUN 12:1 is a Christian spiritual running club started by Cairn University in 2019. To learn more, contact Dave Willard at dwillard@cairn.edu or visit the Run 12:1 Running Club Facebook page.
