You may have heard about refugees in the news - whether from Syria or Afghanistan or Ukraine. But were you aware that in 2022, according to the United Nations High Commission for Refugees, there were 32.5 million refugees worldwide? Of these, 25K refugees were settled in the United States, 1,275 were resettled in Kentucky, and 733 made their home in Louisville. In fact, Kentucky ranks fourth in the nation in terms of numbers of refugees received–right behind California, Texas, and New York.
A refugee is someone who, because of conflict or persecution in their country of origin, has fled their home country in order to seek refuge in another country. Most refugees never aspired to immigrate to the United States. Their flight was not planned. They must make difficult, frantic decisions of what to take and what to leave behind. A refugee’s flight to safety is often difficult and dangerous. And many are forced to make this flight with small children or elderly relatives, oftentimes, on foot.
“Routes to Refuge” is a refugee awareness campaign in which we’re asking participants to express solidarity with refugees by figuratively walking a few miles in their shoes. Participants do this:
1. by registering: $25 virtual event only; $35 virtual event + T-shirt (in person pickup); $45 virtual event + T-shirt + shipping
2. selecting the routes they would like to complete, whether Cuban, Afghan, Congolese, Ukrainian–or all of them!,
3. completing the corresponding daily distance over a thirty-day period from May 20-June17, and
4. Bonus: sharing your experience with others in your online community–and for those that live in Louisville,
5. gathering at Kenwood Elementary on June 17 to walk the last mile and celebrate World Refugee day with food and games and music and dancing!
In addition to providing a way to express solidarity with refugees, Routes to Refuge also gives participants an affordable way to support the ministry of Refuge International.
For Owensboro participants:
Campaign dates: May 20th - June 20th
Celebration event: June 20th at 6PM Heritage Baptist Church 3585 Thruston Dermont Rd. Owensboro, KY 42303
Refuge International seeks to glorify God by partnering with local churches to love refugees and immigrants. And we need your help to do that!
The funds raised from Routes to Refuge will help Refuge International facilitate unique and vital ministry through the local church to refugees and immigrants who have been resettled in Greater Louisville and Owensboro, Kentucky.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What is Charity Footprints?
Charity Footprints is a social enterprise that connects fitness and charitable giving. We empower people just like you, to get fit & give back.
Our Virtual Races allow non-profits to challenge their patrons to run, walk or ride and raise funds just as they would in a fundraising walkathon. The best part - charities save over 45% in event and logistical costs. So, the dollars that you pay to register or fundraise, go farther.
What is the campaign registration fee?
Campaign registration fee is the amount that you'll need to pay to enroll in this virtual race. This fee (less transaction charges) will go to the non-profit running this campaign as a donation.
The registration fee along with the funds raised through your individual fundraising page will enable the non-profit to fund various programs and pursue their organization's mission.
How can I create my fundraising page?
Well, you wouldn't have to create a separate fundraising page. Once you register for this campaign, we'll give you the link to your fundraising page.
If you workout indoors (treadmill, elliptical, stationary bike etc.), you can upload your workouts here.
How do I join a team on this campaign?
While registering for the campaign, select the team you'd like to join or create a new team and invite others to #GetFitGiveBack with you. If you want to join a team (or create your team) after registration, login to the campaign site and you would find a link to edit "My Team" in the menu under your profile in the header.
I am an international donor (non-US), what are my donation charges and tax-deductibility?
All donations are made in US dollars, so the donations may be levied an exchange rate fee via your bank. Donors will want to connect with their bank to determine exactly what that fee may be. Additionally, international donors will need to reach out to a tax professional to discuss if and how tax deductibility will apply to their donation.
Who can sponsor my fundraising efforts?
The short answer is - everyone. The fundraising research shows that the number one reason for people not donating is that they weren't asked to.
That said, there are things you can do to attract people to sponsor you. Adding a picture to your fundraising page, telling potential donors why this cause is so personal to you, sharing your fundraising page on social media, email, and chat groups.
Last, if your employer has a gift matching program, check with the human resources department to support your favorite cause as well.
Who can I contact if I need help?
You can contact us any time if you need help. We love hearing from our users so please don't hesitate to write to us about issues, suggestions, or to just say hi. You can also contact the non-profit administrator directly if you would like.
How do I change or switch my team?
If you want to join a team (or create your team) after registration, login to the campaign site and you would find a link to edit "My Team" in the menu under your profile in the header.
3. completing the corresponding daily distance over a thirty-day period from May 20-June17, and 4. Bonus: sharing your experience with others in your online community–and for those that live in Louisville, 5. gathering at Kenwood Elementary on June 17 to walk the last mile and celebrate World Refugee day with food and games and music and dancing! In addition to providing a way to express solidarity with refugees, Routes to Refuge also gives participants an affordable way to support the ministry of Refuge International. For Owensboro participants:Campaign dates: May 20th - June 20thCelebration event: June 20th at 6PM Heritage Baptist Church 3585 Thruston Dermont Rd. Owensboro, KY 42303 Refuge International seeks to glorify God by partnering with local churches to love refugees and immigrants. And we need your help to do that! 
CAMPAIGN CHAT
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