Summer is calling. That means it’s time for HOPE on the Move, FLM Haiti’s annual 5K Walk and fun-a-thon.
The walk will take place from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, May 17, at the Sycamore Grove Shelter in Pittsburgh’s Highland Park. Registration and an optional warm-up will begin at 9 a.m.
This year’s walk takes on added significance. It highlights the dedication and service that FLM Haiti continues to provide in helping Haitians to help themselves. This service is more important than ever, as in recent weeks, Haiti has faced a tumult of political and social unrest. Under such trying situations, it’s important to note that the health and education services that FLM Haiti provides continue to give Haitian families and their children support and hope during challenging times.
“This is a crucial moment for Haiti,” said Bishop Leon Pamphile, CEO of FLM Haiti. “When we walk together for Haiti, we are contributing to a brighter future for her people. Your generosity and commitment to walk with us is a contribution to Haiti’s prosperity. There is a security crisis now, but we know better days are ahead and your efforts help us to get there.”
Participants may walk, bike or run the route. The distance is the equivalent of about 6,000 steps, which is roughly three miles. If desired, FLM Haiti supporters may walk, bike, or run along with the group in their own neighborhoods.
“Lace up your sneakers or walking shoes and join us,” said Dr. Tim Savisky, FLM board member and chair of this year’s HOPE on the Move. “Also, since the walk takes place the week after Mother’s Day, come out and walk and continue to celebrate the mothers and other women in your lives as well as the mothers, daughters, aunties and other women of Haiti.
Registration is $40 per person and T-shirts are available at $10 per person. For those who can’t participate in the walk, but would still like a T-shirt, the cost is $25.
HOPE on the Move is a 5K walk that benefits Haitians through health care, opportunity, partnership and education. The funds raised support a technical center that provides trade skills and employment to improve the quality of life in the Haitian communities that FLM serves. It also supports the 70 adult literacy centers in more than 11 communities that provide reading, writing and basic math skills to more than 2,000 individuals each year. More than 20,000 adults have been served since 1984.
For more information and to register, visit www.flmhaiti.org or call 412-784-0342.
(Founded in 1983, Functional Literacy Ministry of Haiti is a Christian nonprofit that works with the people in the mountain highland communities south of Port-au-Prince.)