Ballina run a fund-raiser for Burmese
For most of us going for a run is fun, but did you know it can save lives too? Partners Relief and Development do.
That’s why for the last three years the Alstonville-based organisation has co-ordinated the Run for Relief, to raise much-needed funds to help some of the one million people escaping the brutal regime in Burma.
This year’s run takes place in Ballina at the Amphitheatre and Skate Park near the Missingham Bridge on 7 November.
There’s a 2km, a 5km and a 10km course to choose from, commencing at 3pm. A barbecue, jumping castle, face painting, fair-trade products and live music from Luke Vassella and Burmese refugees will entertain the crowds.
Dave Ellem from Partners called on northern NSW to lend a hand, or preferably a couple of feet to the day.
“We’ve had a great response over the last couple of years from the local community. It’s a fun day for a very worthy cause. But for over a million people in Burma, running isn’t a choice. For them, it’s a question of survival. As you join us on the Run for Relief in Ballina, you’re using your feet for freedom in Burma, he said.
“All the registration info is at www.runforrelief.org.au
“As well as raising support for the people of Burma, getting sponsors is a great way to increase awareness of the humanitarian crisis in Burma within the local community. And don’t forget to invite them to cheer you along the run.
“Even if you can’t be there on the day, you can still make a tax-deductible donation through the website.”
Money raised will go towards Partners Relief and Development’s ‘5 Alive’ campaign. Every $50 gives a family of five a means to get food, shelter and a way to survive by supplying rice and salt, a cooking pot, lighter, tarp and machete.
Partners provide much-needed food, shelter, medicine, cooking supplies, blankets and mosquito nets for villagers displaced by the Burma Army’s attacks.
Partners also supports nine medical clinics inside Karen State, Burma, which will benefit from funds raised at the Run for Relief.
Each clinic provides medical support for between 3500 and 5000 people in desperate need of basic healthcare. Partners’ relief efforts reached over 500,000 displaced people along the border of Thailand and Burma in 2008.
For more information visit the Partners Relief and Development website: www.partnersworld.org.au or phone 6628 7823.
