What is Run for Palestine?
Run for Palestine is a registered not-for-profit athletic organization founded in 2009 and based in Toronto. It has now successfully expanded to Calgary, Edmonton, Winnipeg & London, Ontario.
Our goal is to raise money for (CRA-approved) charities operating in Palestine and Palestinian refugee camps in the Middle East. Finally, we hope to promote an active and healthy lifestyle. Run for Palestine has raised over $500,000 for various projects in the West Bank, Gaza, and the camps in Beirut, Lebanon.
Why do participants join?
Participants join Run for Palestine for three main reasons:
- To raise money for needed projects on the ground in Palestine and Palestinian refugee camps.
- To bring awareness and demonstrate solidarity with the Palestinians.
- To participate in an event that advocates living a fit, healthy lifestyle and to compete in a 5 Km run, with the goal to place in the top three.
What projects does RFP help?
In the previous years we have partnered with MAP & Islamic Relief Canada to raise funds to support the following projects :
Recovering the well Being of Gaza Children Project in Gaza, Palestine
- Project funded and managed via Islamic Relief Canada
- Provided integrated psychosocial support for children who suffer from psychological issues (i.e. phobias, anxiety, behavioral difficulties, aggression, nightmares, etc.)
- The project covers 40 schools and 11 community-based organizations
The Empower Gaza health project
- Project funded and managed via Islamic Relief Canada
- Saved lives by installing solar panels on four major hospitals in Gaza.
- Solar energy provides reliable and green energy 24 hours to emergency rooms, intensive care units, and operating theaters.
- Solar power will make hospitals self-reliant and will sustainably empower Gaza hospitals!
- Solar power has already had great success in hospitals in Haiti, India, Lebanon, and Nepal — now it’s time to energize Gaza!
Special Needs School (Palestinian Arab Centre) in Burj al Barajneh, Beirut, Lebanon
- Project funded via Medical Aid for Palestine
- Provides a wide range of projects including tutoring, health, psychological assistance, and promoting literary and artistic talents for refugee children and young people with special needs living in the camp
Blue & Pink Kindergarten in Burj al Barajneh, Beirut, Lebanon
- Project funded via Medical Aid for Palestine
- Provides supplies and helps cover operational costs to keep this school from closing
Where are we now?
Nowadays, Run For Palestine has expanded beyond Toronto to London, Edmonton, Calgary and Winnpeg with plans to grow to other cities across Canada. The number of attendees has grown exceptionally well from 20 attendees in 2011 to over 1200 in 2019.