5 Day Running Expedition to Benefit Fair Trade Olive Farmers
HEBRON, PALESTINE (February 2, 2012) - On February 4, 2012, a team of runners and journalists from U.S. based nonprofit On the Ground will begin the Run Across Palestine (RAP), a 5 day, 129-mile running expedition that will raise money and awareness for fair trade olive farmers in Palestine.
"Through the Run Across Palestine, we're seeking to rise above the daily news stories to address visible and hidden impacts on farmers and their families from the loss of traditional farmlands," says On the Ground founder and RAP runner Chris Treter. "In 2011 donors were able to make a huge impact in coffee-growing communities in Ethiopia. We're hoping to be able to do the same for olive growers with the Run Across Palestine."
The 250-mile Run Across Ethiopia was a great success, raising over $200,000 to construct three schools that directly serve over 1500 children.
The Run Across Palestine will span the West Bank of the Palestinian Territories, from Hebron to Jenin. Participants will run from one farming community to another using established relationships with the Palestine Fair Trade Association and other organizations involved with the immediate survival of farm communities. Funds raised from the RAP will have several immediate impacts, including the purchase and planting of olive trees and establishment of scholarships for children of Palestinian olive farmers. All this is designed to re-establish sustainable olive growing practices in a land known for its centuries-old traditions of hospitality and fine orchard crops.
Join On the Ground at runacrosspalestine.org to follow this incredible journey through daily emails, blog posts, and photos. A special web series, "The People and the Olive," will bring viewers onto the run and into the daily lives of farming communities along the route, helping people learn about the issues faced by farming families.
On the Ground's purpose is to support sustainable community development in farming regions across the world. We accomplish this mission by partnering with other philanthropic agencies, donors, and communities to provide opportunities for indigenous communities around the globe to build lasting infrastructure. In concert with sustainable trading practices by OTG partners, this infrastructure makes it possible for these communities to create real and meaningful prosperity for all their citizens. Learn more about us and make donations at OnTheGroundGlobal.org.
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