Three Hobsons Bay locals have returned from participating in Run From Poverty, an fundraising challenge by non-for-profit One Heart, which took place in Kenya.
Williamstown local, founder and chief executive of One Heart Dean Landy raised $12,700 on this year’s run.
Father of two teenagers Cain Speakman, raised $27,230 on his fourth Run From Poverty trip.
Northern African born personal trainer Karina Sorelli raised $8,440.
The Run From Poverty experience took place over eight days which included high altitude training at Iten, personal development challenges, visits to a One Heart village farm and school, volunteering at the One Heart Village, the marathon challenge and a three-day safari through the Masai Mara.
Dean said the run is unique and life changing and this year the group raised close to $230,000.
“It is designed to push people out of their comfort zones, allow them to look at the world from a different perspective, and be part of a team making a direct and tangible impact in the lives of hundreds of children in East Africa.”
Williamstown’s Cain would describe this run as extremely challenging on body and mind but the personal challenge is his favourite part.
“I’ts the underlying reason we run that I love the most, that being the kids of Kenya that One Heart Foundation supports and the funds we raise as part of the experience.”
Karina from Laverton said the kids and the one heart story pushed her to participate.
“I’m not a runner. I actually don’t like running. Doing it to help kids fight poverty and get an education in East Africa is all worth the pain I went through.”
Jennifer Pittorino
