Thanks for taking the time to visit my JustGiving page.

I started this fundraising endeavour last year, but unfortunately the challenge of participating in the great Ethiopian Run had to be postponed to November 2017 because a Sate of Emergency was Declared in Ethiopia. Thankfully this emergency situation is ended, but the cause of supporting the poorest of the poor is even more critical than it was this time last year. Why am I interested in this cause above other worthy causes?  Having lived in Ethiopia for almost 3 years at the Hamlin Fistula Hospital with Martin and our 3 kids,  I had the privilege of getting to know some of the key people behind Ethiopiaid, an amazingly focused charity that is supporting incredibly effective work on the ground in Ethiopia. Soon after we returned home from Addis Ababa I joined the board of the charity in order to help in any way I could to support the work I truly believe is making such a difference: Lives ARE being changed as I write. I feel board members should be actively involved in fundraising too! A small team of Ethiopiaid supporters from Ireland, the UK and Canada will run / walk the Great Ethiopian 10k Run through the vibrant streets of Addis Ababa, at ridiculous altitude and raise much needed funds in the process!  We will also visit the projects that are being supported by Ethiopiaid and help out for a few days while there. Having this first hand knowledge of the work that is being supported, will help us to continue to sing from the rooftops about the good that is being done and the difference your contribution can make.  Whatever I raise will go towards these frontline projects, including feeding streetchildren, helping with life changing surgeries and educating future midwives. I used to live in the Hamlin Fistula Hospital in Addis Ababa and helped out a little in the Hamlin College of Midwives. The vocation of Midwife is truly a noble one no matter the context or where it is being practiced. The challenges these courageous young midwives face in rural, remote, and sometimes drought ridden Ethiopian terrain is unspeakable.  And believe me, it is not easy to attain that level of education to qualify as a midwife in Ethiopia, especially if you are female! Having had the privilege of getting to know many young aspiring Ethiopian Midwives in the Hamlin College of Midwives,  I am even more determined to support this cause. 

I could say so much more! Anyone who knows me, knows about my family's commitment to and love of Ethiopia. Our 3 amazing Ethiopian kids are proud Irish citizens! When I look into their eyes every day, I can't help thinking of the thousands of others, young and not so young,  who have so much living to do but are so hampered by poverty and lack of basic education. I know my contribution is small, but a little goes a long way in Ethiopia. I know if you have read this far you care too! Money isn't everything but it does help! If you can afford to contribute anything at all, I promise it will go directly to source and will make a difference. You can donate on line or send a cheque made payable to Ethiopiaid Ireland, and send it to our new home address at, The Old Rectory, Donard, Co Wicklow, W91NR28. If you have already donated, your contribution has already been applied to this life changing work. I promised I would go back to Ethiopia in November of 2017 to complete what I set out to do last year. I may have to run a little slower, but the cuse is even more compelling given the current drought situation in Ethiopia. Anything you can give will make a difference and your support is graciously received and noted!

Heartfelt thanks!

Harriet

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