Over 5.4 million people have died since 1998 in the Democratic Republic of the Congo's civil war and unrest. Over half of those people were children under the age of 5. Gang rape, abduction, and brutal torture are a daily reality for women in the Congo, and many families have been displaced; many women take in orphans even though they can barely feed themselves or their own children.

These women are remarkable: women who somehow continue living and caring for their families, through horror, poverty, fear, and impossible hardship. Lisa Shannon began the Run for Congo Women movement in 2005, when she ran by herself for 30 miles, raising enough money to Sponsor 80 women in the Congo. For $27 a month, you can Sponsor a woman through Women for Women International's Sponsorship program, in which they learn business skills, a craft, women's rights, and receive basic education and therapy. You also communicate with your Sister throughout the program, offering her moral support and the knowledge that someone out there loves her and wants her and her family to live happy lives!

First Annual 5k Run/Walk for Congo Women Bloomington

5 years later, there are Run for Congo Women events throughout the U.S. and in four countries. This year, women in the Congo even held their first ever Run--for themselves! Graduates of Women for Women's program planned and participated in an event to help their fellow countrywomen.

Join us at White Oak Park on April 24 to run or walk 5k for the Congo and help these beautiful women rebuild their lives and their community.

Where:

White Oak Park in Bloomington, at the intersection of Cottage Ave. and Graham St. Click here for a map and directions.

When:

April 24, 2010 at 9:00 am. Sign-In starts at 8 and Welcome at 8:45!

Registration:

Register online! Registration fee is $15, which will help us cover administrative costs. Any extra money raised by registration fees will be donated to Women for Women International.

You can also donate online, straight to Women for Women International.