Annual Charity Walk/Run Events 'For The Rest Of Us'

 

Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure.

Avon Walk For Breast Cancer.

The American Cancer Society's Relay For Life.

We've all probably heard of these 'walk-a-thons' or runs that benefit important charities. These are very good causes and events, but sometimes we want to find a charity event that more closely fits our abilities. For instance, the annual Susan G. Komen event that takes place near me requires 60 miles over three days. This is something I would love to participate in because I really want to help find a cure for breast cancer, but my arthritis won't let me. Even if we can handle such a race physically, sometimes they are at a time or place that doesn't work for us. Also, it might be hard for busy moms to find the time! Where can people like us find charity events that work for us? I mentioned bicycling and motorcycle charity events in other posts on this blog, but here are a few fundraisers that we can do 'on foot'. You don't need any special equipment for these events, unless you count a good pair of running shoes!

If you'd like to run or walk at a 'cooler' time of the year, there is the Jingle Bell Run/Walk. Done to benefit the Arthritis Foundation, this 5K (roughly 3-mile) event takes place in December. The website mentions tying jingle bells to your shoelaces, but I'm sure you can get out of that if you want to! The site is http://www.arthritis.org/jingle-bell-run.php if you want to find one near you.

Another event 'for the rest of us' is Light The Night. This walk takes place in the evening and is done to benefit research and support for people with blood cancers (leukemia, lymphoma, etc). What I find interesting is that this walk is done at a relaxed pace and only takes about an hour to complete. They allow strollers for babies, and they even allow wheelchairs! I've never heard of a 'walk' fundraiser that uses wheelchairs but, this way, people of all ability levels can participate. You can find more information about this event and find one near you at http://www.lightthenight.org/what/.

If you'd like your walk to benefit both people 'at home' and in other parts of the world, perhaps you should consider the CROP Hunger Walk. The acronym stands for Christian Rural Overseas Program because it originally helped midwest farmers to share their crops with people in Europe and Asia after World War II, but now it has a much wider reach. There are walks all over the country that are locally organized and run, which allows a portion of the proceeds to benefit community food banks and programs. While its parent organization is the Church World Service, it is open to people of all faiths and cultures. The website is here, where you can find more information and a walk near you.

As you can see, there are plenty of events each year where those of us who aren't able to do the 'big walks' for whatever reason can still give to a good cause. Charityhappenings.org has an extensive listing of charity events of all kinds if you'd like to find one near you.