October 10, 2019
Next Saturday, October 19, Emmanuel will host its fifth annual Run to Fund event, in which participants will run a 5-kilometre circuit that begins and ends at the Emmanuel campus. Sponsors of the event, along with runners, are contributing funds that will go towards equipment to furnish the College’s new kitchen, which is approaching completion.
The aim of this fundraising effort is to raise ten thousand dollars. Currently the campaign is well on its way, with over half of the target amount raised.
Among the participants in the event will be Dr. Hughson Ong, Emmanuel’s assistant academic dean & registrar. As a running enthusiast, Dr. Ong is excited about the opportunity to use his athletic interests to benefit the College. But for him Run to Fund has another dimension: family. Dr. Ong has partnered with his teenage daughter, Jemimah, to create one of the event’s fundraising teams, and they plan to run the course together.
Dr. Ong finds important spiritual connections with running. “I use running as an opportunity to talk and pray to God,” he writes. Furthermore, he finds running to be a helpful analogy for the Christian life. “Our faith journey is similar to running. It is painful because you’re journeying along with life’s challenges and troubles . . . But as Christ followers, never throw in the towel!”
In the past, Run to Fund events have played an important role in the maintenance of the College. The raised funds from last year’s event were put towards renovations of Warder Hall, the residence building. The renovations, now complete, constituted a significant improvement to the campus and are much appreciated and enjoyed by those living in residence.
It is not too late for runners and sponsors to register or contribute. Those interested may register as an individual, create a fundraising team, or support an existing individual or team. All this may be done on the event website, which can be visited by clicking here.