Dear Friends!

 

Thank you for taking the time to visit my JustGiving page and support me in my goal of raising money and awareness for Congo Women. This is my first official race and I decided to take up this personal challenge to support a very worthwhile social cause.

 

Here are some of the facts that paint the bleak picture of the conflict in Congo:

- More than 5.4 million people have died since 1998

- Half of these deaths are children under the age of five

- For women in Congo, brutal gang rape and torture are a daily reality - rape is used as a combat strategy to terrorize and humiliate; it is estimated that in the first 7 months of 2009 only, 7000 women and girls were raped

 

For a while I've been aware of the plight of women in the region and have wanted to do something about it. I have been inspired by the numerous stories of survival, which made me not only appreciate the things I take for granted every day but also aspire to achieve more.

Run for Congo Women raises funds to benefit Women for Women International's programs in the Democratic Republic of Congo. This is where all your funds will be directed.

 

Needless to say, any amount is significant. I would also really appreciate it if you forwarded this page to others you think may be interested in donating. Or maybe post this on your Facebook page to raise awareness.

Finally, I would encourage you to visit Women For Women International's official website at www.womenforwomen.org to learn more about the organization and more ways in which you can help.

 

Thank you again for your support and of course if you are local in London, please come out to Regent's Park on April 3rd to cheer me on!

 

A few words on Women for Women International

Women for Women International provides women survivors of war, civil strife and other conflicts with the tools and resources to move from crisis and poverty to stability and self-sufficiency, thereby promoting viable civil societies.

The organization envisions a world where no one is abused, poor, illiterate or marginalized; where members of communities have full and equal participation in the processes that ensure their health, well-being and economic independence; and where everyone has the freedom to define the scope of their life, their future and strive to achieve their full potential.

 

A few words on JustGiving

Donating through JustGiving is simple, fast and totally secure. Your details are safe with JustGiving – they’ll never sell them on or send unwanted emails. Once you donate, they’ll send your money directly to the charity and make sure Gift Aid is reclaimed on every eligible donation by a UK taxpayer. So it’s the most efficient way to donate - I raise more, whilst saving time and cutting costs for the charity.