Hello, my name is Youri Kondo and thank you very much for visiting my fundraiser page.
On July 10, 2010,
I will be challenging the
Devil for Justice
Ok, to be more exact, I, Youri Kondo will be challenging the Devil's Lake in Baraboo, WI by running a 50 mile Ultra Marathon. This will be done in order to raise fund for a non-profit organization called International Justice mission(IJM).
I would like you to join me in raising fund for IJM by sponsoring me for the race. Now by this, I'm not saying that you should give me the money so that I can use it for training. 100% of the money that you donate will directly go to IJM through this website, so there are no worries about part of the money ending up in somewhere else.
Fundraising target: so the fundraising target is $17,500. Now that some some huge number isn't it? well heres the thing. 17,500 is the number of foreign nationals who are trafficked into the US annually(US Department of State Trafficking in Persons Report 2006). So I want you to help me make a difference and out number the statistics.
Why IJM? IJM is a unique organization consisting of investigators who find the evidence of injustice(illegal activity), lawyers who prosecute the one engaging in illegal activity, and aftercare professionals who lead them into aftercare, such as safe home with counseling.
In a world where the poor have no voice and are frequently the victims of brutal violence and abuse, it is often the case that the difference between life and death-freedom and prison-justice and injustice-depends upon whether or not someone can show up on their behalf. Your gift will allow IJM to serve as a voice for the voiceless in our world, providing men, women, and children with rescue, support and renew hope for their lives and future.
Please consider:
- $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.
- $8,500 covers the cost of operations for one week in an IJM field office.
- $18,000 covers the annual cost for an IJM national lawyer to be a full time advocate for the oppressed.
(some of the information above are take from:http://www.ijm.org/give/impactofyourgift)
Who do they help? So you may be wondering who exactly are these "voiceless in our world." Well let me tell you a story about David. His name is David Ngure and he had grown up in Kenya as a street child. "One day, when David as a young business owner, was making a delivery, several corrupt policemen threw him in their car, and demanded money from him. A series of unfolded, which ended in David receiving several gunshot wounds.He was taken to the hospital, where he had to have his hand and part of his arm amputated. The police tried to cover their guilt by framing him for a crime he didn't commit. David was arrested and chained to his hospital bed, and later sent to jail where he was facing a death sentence. Thankfully, attorneys from IJM heard about his case and were not only able to clear David of the charges but even made sure the police were arrested for their crimes." In developing countries around the world, cases like David's is not uncommon (excluding the fact that David was rescued).
(the quotation above Have been taken from the book: Be the Change by Zach Hunter)
Why 50 miles? 50 miles even scares the runners. While many people might be willing to give it a shot for a full marathon(26.2Mi.), not many people are willing to run a 50 mile race. Why? I think it is because preparing to run 50miles non-stop takes real commitment. Thats right, commitment. Although, I ran the Chicago Marathon last year, I had to walk parts of the second half. But still, I will challenge myself to run 50 miles on June 10th in order to show that I am committed. That I am committed to helping the poor of the world with everything I've got in me; both physically and mentally.
Donating through this website is simple, fast and totally secure. It is also the most efficient way to support my fundraising efforts.
Many thanks for your support -- and don't forget to forward this to anyone who you think might want to donate too!