Press Release: In Their Shoes 5K Run/Walk

MARCH 8, 2016

WHAT:

The Iraqi Children Foundation (ICF), a 501 (c) (3) charity, is hosting its Fourth Annual IN THEIR SHOES 5K Run/Walk to benefit Iraq’s most vulnerable children – its orphans, street children and kids fleeing ISIS. Funds raised through the 5K are invested in emotional care for traumatized children, access to education for children displaced by violence, providing nutrition and health care, legal aid, and more. The mission of ICF is to assist the families and communities of Iraq by mobilizing a life changing Surge of Love for these desperately poor and at risk children. The Honorable Allison Silberberg, Mayor of the City of Alexandria, Virginia and His Excellency Lukman Faily, Ambassador of Iraq to the U.S. will kick off the fundraising 5 K event that brings runners, walkers and families together in support of this worthwhile cause, followed by an after-the-race celebration featuring Iraqi food, music and entertaining activities.

“For many veterans like myself, the 5K is a marquis event,” states ICF’s Chairman of the Board and Iraq war veteran Jonathan Webb. “It is an opportunity to make sure that the sacrifice of thousands of American men and women is not wasted, and to reach back in love to help these voiceless children. We want them to know they are not forgotten.”

Early bird registration is open for individuals at $30 per person, and for teams of four or more at $25 per person, until March 31st. On April 1st rates increase to $35 per person and $30 per person for teams. Included in the registration fee is a t-shirt and water bottle, as well as a snack. To register visit: www.iraqichildren.org/in-their-shoes-5k-2016

WHEN:

Saturday, May 14, 2016 – Check-in 7:00 AM / Race time 8:00 AM

WHERE:

US Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) 
600 Dulany Street
Old Town Alexandria, VA 22314

USPTO is approximately four blocks from the King Street-Old Town Metro station, accessible on the Yellow and Blue lines. Free parking is available at East Garage, located at 551 John Carlyle Street, Alexandria, Virginia on a first come basis.

WHY:

In 2015, ICF provided more than 20,000 nutritious meals to desperately poor children, 187 orphans and street children got loving care at a safe place for tutoring & play, a tent was set up at a camp for families fleeing ISIS where children received special trauma care, a young girl fleeing ISIS’ invasion of Mosul got two new prosthetic legs, other children got health care, clothing, dolls, candy, and other treats. ICF, working with three other US veteran-led organizations under the “Soccer Salam” umbrella, provided more than 2,000 families fleeing ISIS with blankets, Peace Baskets of food, water, soccer balls and more. Funds raised from the “In Their Shoes” event will go to continued support of ICF initiatives. For those unable to participate in the race, it is possible to support these initiatives by making a donation at www.iraqichildren.org/donate.

About the Iraqi Children Foundation:

The Iraqi Children Foundation (ICF) is committed to providing loving care to Iraq’s most vulnerable children – its orphans, street children and kids fleeing ISIS.

The children of Iraq are the nation’s future but today, they are in crisis. An estimated 800,000 were orphaned over ten years of war. More than 1 million have been displaced by ISIS. Thousands work on the streets or in other unsafe places. Too many children are vulnerable to recruitment and exploitation by criminals or terrorists, as well as physical abuse and human trafficking. They face illiteracy, poverty, malnutrition, and the profound effects of trauma and loss. The need is urgent, but with your help, ICF is devoted to making a difference for Iraq’s most vulnerable children.

ICF initiatives include serving as a catalyst to mobilize US and international partners, investing in training and capacity-building of Iraq’s non-governmental and community organizations, and providing direct assistance, with an emphasis on giving a hand up, not a handout.

The Iraqi Children Foundation is a tax-exempt 501 (c) (3) charity. All donations are tax deductable to the extent allowed by law. GuideStar has awarded ICF its highest Gold designation for transparency. Learn more about ICF at www.iraqichildren.org