Skip to main content

Free to Run Fundraiser Preparation


Quick link to Donation Page Here (This is different to the Free to Run donation page)

 I am currently working out the logistics of replicating life as a refugee in Hong Kong in order to raise money for the charity Free to Run.

 Free to Run is a charity set up to provide relief to refugees who are residing in Hong Kong after experiencing trauma and conflict in their home countries.

 Free to Run provides refugees with the opportunity to participate in weekly hiking, running and swimming sessions along with other activities that promote a sense of community and assist with improving mental and physical health.

 For many of these refugees, these activities are their only chance to engage with others in the same situation and feel valued.

 What am I doing?

 My aim is to live off the same amount as refugees receive in Hong Kong; $40/day, with the exception of an additional $50/week for transport in order to raise awareness of the dire situation our refugees are in here in Hong Kong, and also to raise money so that they can continue to be involved in these activities.

Why am I doing this?

Every Thursday I go along to track training to help with running.  Yes, the whole idea of volunteer work is to help others - but little do they know the positive impact they have on myself and the other volunteers that attend.  Track training with Free to Run has quickly become the most inspiring and uplifting hour of my week.  Every week, refugees arrive ready to run with smiles on their faces, momentarily pushing aside the harsh realities they face every day with life in Hong Kong.

How will I do this?

$40/day for one week for food - all spent at Park n Shop.  Refugees receive their money in coupons for Park n Shop - despite their being cheaper alternative places to shop for food.

 $50/week for transport.  Refugees are given $50/week on an Octopus card. How will I get to work? My usual $11.50 minibus ride will be substituted for a $6.00 double decker bus + 30 minute walk each morning, and a 30 minute walk and a $2 tram ride home. Totalling at $8.00/day Monday to Friday = $40, leaving me $10 for the weekend.

 $1500/month for housing and not allowed to work - These are the two biggest things I will not be able to change or adhere to. I still have to go to work and I cannot move house!!

 Private clubs? Gyms? Leisure activities that cost money? Not this week.

 Every day I will blog about how my day.  $40/day is my aim... time will only tell what obstacles I come across.

When will I do this?

Monday 18th September - Sunday 24th September ... watch this space!

How can you help?

Please dig deep to better the lives and experience of refugees in Hong Kong by donating online here 




Thank you for your support !!!!








Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Day 5

$10,414!!! Can't believe I have hit the 10k mark. Thank you so much everyone. The school week has come to an end and I'm looking forward to my next milestone of this challenge - the weekend. I had a feeling I was never going to make it through the week without having to walk in the rain - so close but not quite. Sure enough just before I was about to get off the bus it started chucking it down. Despite waiting 20 minutes sheltering in the petrol station, it continued to pour so off I went. Feet soaked, stomach grumbling, ankles aching, I quickly talked myself out of the Friday Fitness session I was originally heading into work early for.  I've been indecisive the entire week as to whether I should even have the opportunity to do it this week - an air-conditioned sports hall isn't exactly a common feature of refugee type living. I opted out. I am tired and today I feel like the hAngriness has really kicked in. One of today's highlights for the kids (and woul...
Post a Comment
Read more

Day 3

After a day of rest yesterday I returned to the first thing I do most mornings- exercise. The alarm goes off at 4:45, I have a snack of peanut butter and rice cakes and head to the gym for 5:30am. Since planning this week, I've been determined to keep up my routine despite not having a gym facility. Refugees don't have the money to pay for a gym so why should I have the luxury.  I also don't have any rice cakes, so dry oats with some water it was. It's back to the pitch- Happy Valley 8 - a location far too familiar from countless rugby matches played here from a young age, to running HIIT morning boot camps with my friends a couple of times a week (which fizzled out about a year ago). Thankfully a friend joined me this morning to keep me motivated, as did another on Monday for some interval runs... a great excuse this week to avoid the watt bike!! Astro everywhere The only problem with exercise = hunger.  I write this as I sit on the tra...
Post a Comment
Read more