Hello friends, it's Jenn, and guess what?!
We're launching our very first Global 5K and this is your official invitation to join us.
Ok, yes. This is a “virtual run,” but we like to be different so we’re calling it a “Global 5K” instead—and I promise, it’s for everyone, even if you’re not a big fan of physical activity.
You’re gonna want to keep reading to find out why.
First, I want to address some concerns about safety in Haiti.
Yes, Haiti has faced many challenges, including violence, insecurity, and kidnappings in some areas. Over the past several years, gangs and political actors, have been seeking power and resources by increasingly harmful means, in and around Haiti’s capital, Port-au-Prince.
Daily activities like going to school, work, or the hospital have become dangerous or impossible for many.
But here in the North, where we are, things are different.
Cap Haitien, Haiti’s second-largest city, is quickly becoming a safe haven for those fleeing the South.
However, life has changed in many ways.
We're not receiving visitors like before, and we miss showing people from around the world what it’s like to be on a Second Mile campus.
We aren’t able to walk the illuminated streets at nightfall with you, or to enjoy the tastes, sounds, and smells that make this place so special.
Even though I do miss giving tours of Second Mile Haiti’s various projects, I feel very lucky to be where we are at this time.
Unlike some organizations that rely on visitors for support, we've never depended on that model. Those organizations are hurting right now.
But we owe our resilience to all of you.
As the co-founders of Second Mile, Amy Syres and I have lived here in Northern Haiti for more than 12 years. We don’t have a US office. Or any other US employees. However, we do have a team in Haiti that is 72 Haitian employees-strong.
Your unwavering backing, despite the challenging circumstances, means we’ve always been able to focus on the mission, not fundraising events. I really love that about this community!
So why a 5K?
A lot of people have given up on Haiti. There’s a sense of fatigue among the general population. But we know that’s not true of those who love and support the work happening here.
What’s better than a 5K to reinvigorate our spirits? As they say in soccer, it’s time to get some “fresh legs” onto the field! (In case you missed the metaphor, that’s you. You, and your friends, are the “fresh legs.”
And honestly, I miss those walks!
I miss getting to talk about why Second Mile Haiti matters while strolling beside a Second Mile champion, on the same paths that parents and pregnant women take to our centers.
I miss pointing out baby goats—the offspring of our community program—or stopping for snacks at the business of a mother who once spent time at our Malnutrition Treatment Center.
We may not be able to bring you to Haiti, but we’ve come up with a way to bring Haiti to you.
Your mobile device and a set of headphones is all you need.
Here’s how!
On the weekend of November 3rd-5th commit to move with our global, Second Mile community for 3.1 miles (that’s a 5K y’all)—or a similar distance that works for you.
When you sign up, you'll receive a link to a podcast to listen to on the day of your 5K. You’ll embark on a virtual journey through the towns and villages outside our Cap Haitien Maternity Center.
Between our two Maternity Centers, we now see up to 3,000 women for prenatal care each year, while supporting about 900 mothers as they give birth to their newborns.
Through the In Her Shoes-5K podcast, you’ll meet one of these mothers.
As you walk, run, or wheel your way through your 5K, you’ll travel with her as she makes her way from her home to the Maternity Center—from finding out she’s pregnant to the birth of her baby.
We can’t wait to connect with you and other, new Second Mile supporters in this way!
Register soon to receive your Second Mile Haiti: In Her Shoes 5K t-shirt in time for the big 5K weekend. Kids can participate too.
Adult registration ($35) and youth registration ($20)
Invite your friends, join us for this 5k, proudly wear your Second Mile Haiti-Global 5K T-shirt, and when people ask about Haiti, tell them about the work we're doing, even today.
After the event, you’ll have even more details to share.
We can’t wait for this event!
You won’t want to miss it!
Let’s get moving!
Love from Haiti 🇭🇹