Community Corner
Visitation Students Organize 5k to Benefit Kenyan Children Living with HIV/AIDS
A group of Convent of the Visitation students are organizing a 5k April 2 to raise money for children with HIV/AIDS in Kenya. In July, they plan to travel to Kenya and lend a helping hand to the children that will receive their proceeds.
Ashley Bruber has never run a race before. Though she’s a bit nervous, the Convent of the Visitation senior plans to tighten her shoelaces April 2, summon her bravery and, one step at a time, complete a 5k.
“I will do it for Africa,” Bruber said.
Nine students at Visitation will host a 5k at the school Saturday, April 2. Money raised from the 5k event will go to support children diagnosed with HIV/AIDS in Kenya.
Find out what's happening in Mendota Heightswith free, real-time updates from Patch.
Through the 5k, as well as an iPad raffle and other small projects, the nine students, assisted by their teachers and families, plan to raise $10,000 to donate to the Sisters of Mercy.
The Sisters of Mercy is an order of Catholic sisters who, as a part of their ministry, support over 700 children in Kenya diagnosed with HIV/AIDS with medical assistance at their regional hospital. The sisters also provide education and social support to help the children cope with the negative stigma of their disease.
Find out what's happening in Mendota Heightswith free, real-time updates from Patch.
The money raised by the group at Visitation will go to help create social clubs for infected adolescents in more rural areas and to buy a playground for the younger children.
In July, the students and five chaperones will make the long journey to Mutomo, Kenya to visit these children and volunteer. They’ll assist at the hospital with cleaning, visiting and errands and help with the social groups for the rural youth.
“Basically, I think we’ll just do whatever the sisters ask us to do,” said Elizabeth Arnstein, English teacher at Visitation and trip chaperone.
Though still months away, the group is eager for their African experience.
“I’m excited,” said Arnstein, “I’m really looking forward to expanding my horizons.”
Bruber agrees, “I know it will change my view on life as a person because of the poverty and sickness I will be exposed to. I am eager to submerge myself into the African culture that is so different from my own and carry with me the experience I will have there for the rest of my life.”
The group's goal is to have 300 participants for the 5k. If you’re interested in participating, please visit www.visitation.net.
IF YOU GO:
When: Saturday, April 2/The 5k race time is 10 a.m.; a one-mile walk steps off at 10:15 a.m.
Place: in Mendota Heights (2455 Visitation Drive, Mendota Heights, MN 55120)
Cost: $20 fee per person includes a “Team Mutomo” t-shirt. Register online at www.visitation.net. Participants can also register on the day of the race for $25.
Details: If you’d like to donate to the cause, but aren’t interested in participating, contributions may be sent to Team Mutomo at Visitation School, 2455 Visitation Drive, Mendota Heights, MN 55120