First off, thank you for finding our fundraising page.
Ten of us are in the midst of training for the Pittsburgh Marathon, to run in two relay teams. We are a diverse collection of runners. We are students. We work full time. We serve our country. We chase around small children and make a killer mac and cheese.
On May 15th, we will run a total of 52 miles for one purpose. We will run to rescue lives around the world who are victims of human trafficking.
Around the world, there are 27 million men, women, and children held captive to slavery right now. There are more slaves today than there ever were in the entire trans-Atlantic slave trade. There are 2 million children each year, trafficked against their will, and exploited by the global sex trade.
International Justice Mission (IJM) is a Christian human rights organization that serves as a voice for each of these individuals silenced by modern day slavery. IJM works to secure rescue for victims, provide victim aftercare, allow for perpetrator accountability, and prevent future abuses.
Hope that was lost is being found through Christ and the work of IJM.
All of the money donated from our run will be given to this phenomenal organization. We would love for you to consider giving towards this endeavor.
Our goal is to raise $1,000. But honestly, we will be grateful for any amount raised.
Here is what your support will accomplish:
* $250 covers the cost of six days of aftercare for a victim.
* $500 covers the cost of seven days of legal advocacy.
* $1,000 covers the cost of 20 days of investigation to help bring freedom to the oppressed.
* $1,700 covers the cost of operations for one day in an IJM field office.
We are so grateful for whatever you can give; big or small, no matter. Even $10 would help. And as friends and families, thank you for supporting us every mile of the way.
You are running with us towards the rescue of lives. And we couldn’t be more thankful. (See you at the finish line.)
With Gratitude,
Christin Oesterling, Aprille Oesterling, Sarah Dublin, Michelle Seaman, Aaron Kniess, Jeremiah Hrvatin, Kathleen Curren, Daniel Violet, Laura Patterson (running for Ashley Charles), and Kristin Charles
***All donations made on this site are safe and secure. International Justice Mission has asked us to use this venue for our fundraising efforts. We have opted for donor amounts to be hidden on our site, but will display donor names and comments so that you can encourage the entire team or specific team members. Thanks again for your support. ****