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Running for a Cause Campaign raises 1.4 million birr for local charities

05 January 2016

Caption: Running for a Cause Campaign was initiated in 2005 to exploit the power of the GER 10k race and fundraise money from individuals and companies both in Ethiopia and abroad to support deserving charities selected by the Ministry of Women and Children Affairs

"Running for a Cause” campaign has raised 1.4 million Birr to support local charities working on women empowerment and health.

The latest United Nations supported “Running for a Cause” campaign has raised 1.4 million ETB, which was handed over to support local charities working on women empowerment and health.

The campaign is a partnership of the UN, the Great Ethiopian Run (GER) and Ministry of Women and Children Affairs.

Running for a Cause Campaign was initiated in 2005 to exploit the power of the GER 10k race and fundraise money from individuals and companies both in Ethiopia and abroad to support deserving charities selected by the Ministry of Women and Children Affairs.

In the last few years, the campaign raised over 7million Birr supporting organizations working on autism, people with mental and physical disabilities, the elderly and rehabilitation of convicts among others.

The November 2015 10k race saw over 40,000 participants where famous Ethiopian musicians and filmmakers Chachi Tadesse, Nebret Gelaw and Sileshi Demissie stepped up to support the cause.

The 1.4 million birr went to support Ryan Autism Center, Mathewos Wondu-Ethiopian Cancer Society, and the Ethiopian National Association for Mentally Disables and the Amhara Regional Women Association.

Great Ethiopian Run founder and Olympic gold medalist Haile Gebreselassie noted that, “We hope to do more with Running for a Cause Campaign in the future, raising awareness and fundraising more money to help improve lives.”

The United Nations in Ethiopia has been partnering with the Great Ethiopian Run since it was first set up 15 years ago organizing a 10k run, the women’s first run in March, and the regional MDG races.

Speaking at the event the United Nations Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator, Ms. Ahunna Eziakonwa-Onochie highlighted that, “The UN-GER partnership has been serving as a good platform to promote social and development messages. This year’s theme “UNite to Create the Future We Want” calls the public and inspires action to build the ‘world and Ethiopia we want’ promoting inclusive economic growth, climate change, innovation, and peace and justice.”