"Unforgettable mentally and physically. The camps are a fascinating place to visit. I would recommend this journey to anyone as it definitely changes your point of view."
Tomasz Laczny, 2015 UK Participant
Some of us here are doing the run for the first time in 2016. Others are going back for another round. Either way, we are joining next year's run because we believe it's an important way to show our solidarity with the Saharawi refugees, who have been living in camps in the harsh Algerian desert since 1975.
WHY?
This year, the sponsorship money we raise will be used to assist local cultural projects after the recent torrential rains in the Saharawi refugee camps (Oct 17-27, 2015). The floods and mass destruction of houses, hospitals, schools and other buildings have affected more than 90,000 people, leaving more than 25,000 refugees homeless and without access to food, clean water and medication.
As a small-sized organisation, Sandblast has been asked by the marathon organisers to focus their fundraising efforts on rebuilding small local projects, key for the restablishment of daily life in the camps. We are therefore more motivated than ever to raise funds in support of the Saharawis, and hope you will, too!
OUR GOAL:
Our team fundraising target is £20K. This will enable us to rebuild and re-equip cultural centres and schools in the five residential camps, as well as to assist musicians that have lost everything during the floods.
Whatever you can give- big or small- will all help us to reach our goal. Please spread the word and thanks for your support!
WANT TO JOIN US?
We know the week spent with our host refugee families in the camps will be unforgettable and life-changing. We invite you to join us and be part of history next year.
In 2016, it will be 40 years since the Saharawis self-proclaimed the birth of the Saharawi Arab Democratic Republic (SADR) on February 27. This state- in-exile is based in the refugee camps. It is recognised by over 80 countries world-wide and is a full member state of the African Union.
To express our solidarity we would like to recruit 40 runners to echo the 40th anniversary of the SADR and help get more support for the Saharawis to reach their dreams for self-determination.
Please get in touch!
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