The Ethiopia Project
Ethiopia has a great tradition of producing the best runners in the world. In the 1960 Olympics, Abebe Bikila of Ethiopia won the gold medal in the marathon event running bare foot. Ever since Abebe’s victory, a number of best runners have been breaking world records at every level notably the 10K and the Marathon events. The new marathon world record was set just last year by Haile Gebreslasse at 2:04:26 which is an unbelievable 4:45 per mile pace.
However, most elite Ethiopian runners have a modest beginning. Running bare foot when they were children in the country side is common. Ethiopia is one of the poorest countries in the world due to a devastating civil war lasting over 30 years among others. Having a pair of shoes let alone a pair of running shoes is a luxury for most. The potential elite runners are training in a better condition under the many clubs organized to recruit potential champions. There are many runners that have the potential to be the best in the world practicing their running with shoes in a very poor condition if they have shoes at all.
Purpose & Goal of EP:
The Ethiopia Project is a Portland based non-profit organization established in 2007 with a goal of collecting new and gently used running shoes and fit them onto aspiring Ethiopian runners. The purpose of this project is also to help develop the many running talents that may have the potential to be the world best. The goal of this project is to provide as many running shoes and running apparel as possible every year. The first shipment is planned to be delivered in June of 2009. We are expecting to deliver 2000 to 3000 pairs of running shoes in the first delivery.
There have been a lot of things going on at The Ethiopia Project lately and we need volunteer help! Here are a few upcoming volunteer opportunities and events:
1. June 20th – Shoe Drive @ Lulu Lemon Athletica on NW 13th and Couch
We will need volunteers working from 7AM – 5PM at our shoe collection point at Lulu Lemon Athletica in the Pearl District. Volunteer shifts can range from 1 hour to as many hours as you would like to donate. Please respond to this e-mail and we will work around your schedule.
2. July 18th – Shoe Drive @ Fit Right NW (both Portland & Vancouver locations.)
General shoe drive from 8AM – 6PM. Anytime is appreciated.
3. July 18th – 12 Hour Treadmill Run @ Fit Right NW on 23rd & Northrupt
Teams will be trying to raise money by running a 12 hour relay from 6am – 6pm at Fit Right NW. Teams will range from 2-12 participants. If interested in helping out with this event or fielding a team, please contact ep.andrew@gmail.com for more information and to set-up a team meeting. If you are doing Hood to Coast this is a team building event and also a good prep for the run in August.
4. August 6th – First Thursday Urban Adventure Run
Sign up future volunteers, conduct a shoe drive, and have fun at this great event! It’s a great opportunity to tell folks about the project and we will have a shoe drive that night as well. Time is from 4PM – 8PM. Free beer and food!
5. August 9th – Run Your Shoes Off 5K/8K Event
This second annual event will have participants run either a 5K or 8K course, but when they finish they will take off their shoes and finish barefoot. We need help from volunteers during and after the event. Registration for this event will start online only in July.
6. August 15th – Shoe Cleaning Social at our warehouse.
Join many volunteers for this opportunity to clean and sort through the hundreds and thousands of shoes that are actively being donated! The shoe cleaning will go from 10AM – 4PM. We will have a shuttle in the morning that can transport those who would like to RSVP for the event.
Thank you for the time and support!
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