LANSING, Ill. (September 15, 2023) – Runners and walkers will weave their way through a Lansing neighborhood on October 28 in support of The Welcome Network as part of the organization’s fifth annual Run for Refugees.
Welcome Home
Funds raised through the 5k run will help The Welcome Network achieve its goal of purchasing an additional “Welcome Home” for newly arriving refugees in the area. The goal for the event is to raise $50,000 to supplement the roughly $70,000 already raised.
The Welcome Network partnered with local churches to purchase a house in Lansing for the purpose of welcoming newcomers during their immigration process. According The Welcome Network, the home has provided a landing spot for six families since 2019, including families from Ukraine.
The organization wants to purchase a second home to increase its capacity to serve newcomers.
“The Welcome Home is more than a house; it’s a home that provides newcomers with dignity as they move toward independence and self-sufficiency,” The Welcome Network said.
Run for Refugees details
The run will take place at Living Word Church in Lansing, and start at 9 a.m. on Saturday, October 28. Sponsorships, runners, and walkers are all still needed for the event.
The route for the race will begin at Living Word Church and include a double loop through the adjoining neighborhood. Serious runners are invited to sign up as well as walkers. Strollers and kids are also encouraged.
A virtual run for those out of the area is also available.
“This event will be timed by j3 Timing to ensure timing accuracy. There will be prizes for top finishers overall and in age-group categories,” says The Welcome Network’s website.
Registration for an individual is $40, with discounts available for groups. Multiple sponsorship tiers are also available. More information about participation and sponsorship is available online here, by calling 267-773-4267, or emailing [email protected].
