Running with a Purpose: SLU-Madrid's 5K Fundraiser

Dozens of runners, walkers, and sideline supporters came together for the semiannual SLU-Madrid run for a cause. This semester, participants raised nearly 300 euros to donate to La Luz de las Niñas, an NGO with the mission to defend the right of girls worldwide to a childhood free from fear, threats and aggression. Students, faculty, staff and families ran the 5K course around the Parque del Retiro, showing their support for the cause, getting some exercise and, of course, enjoying the company.

The sky was a bit gray, but the smiles and the shirts were bright at this semester's 5K fundraiser. Participants in the run for a cause raised nearly 300 euros to donate to La Luz de las Niñas, an NGO that supports young girls who live in some of the world's most vulnerable populations. 

“My favorite part of the event is spending the day with the community,” remarked Sports Director César Rioja Alvarez, who organized the run. “It is a great opportunity for students, teachers, staff and families to enjoy a day together.”

About La Luz de las Niñas

La Luz de las Niñas currently provides outreach in 15 countries across Africa, Asia and Latin America, including the Central African Republic, Chad, Democratic Republic of the Congo, El Salvador, Guatemala, Haiti, Honduras, Kenya, Peru and South Sudan. They focus on defending the right to education for all, with a particular focus on girls in some of the world’s most vulnerable populations. To date, they have supported more than 32,000 girls. At La Luz, they strive to:

• Raise visibility about the gender inequality that impacts girls
•  Protect girls from violence
• Empower them choose their future
• Advocate for the rights of girls to transform the causes underlying this injustice

La Luz de las Niñas is a non-governmental development organization that is supported by the Society of Jesus.