3 Mins Read
How was 24 Hour Race started?
In 2009, 15 year old Christopher Schrader began walking 600 kilometres across the base of England in memory of a recent friend. The journey changed his life and highlighted the synergy between philanthropy and endurance, that as a young person there existed an effective way to positively demonstrate your commitment to a cause.
Two years and several expeditions later, the 24 Hour Race was born. 5 years later, having raised over USD 600, 000 and with the requisite knowledge and talent, the 24 Hour Race is ready to expand globally – spreading the anti-slavery and youth philanthropy message to millions.
Since 2010, the 24 Hour Race has engaged over 100, 000 young people in 3 cities in fundraising and awareness campaigns, raising over USD 600, 000 to impact the trajectory of slavery and exploitation in Asia.
On 19 November 2014, the sweat and smiles of over 2, 000 runners in Hong Kong, Singapore, and Kuala Lumpur made a statement: our generation is committed to a world without slavery – and we will run, raise money, be advocates, and engage NGOs to see its end in our lifetime.
What is the mission of 24 Hour Race?
Our mission is to make possible a world free from modern-day slavery and human trafficking. We are an organisation by young people for young people fighting for this vision.
What is 24 Hour Race ‘s geographical focus?
For 2015, we’ve set ourselves the goal of reaching 13 cities around Asia by the end of the year and engaging 250, 000 young people in the 24 Hour Race movement in the process.
What are 24 Hour Race’s goals for Hong Kong specifically?
For 2015, much of the emphasis for the Hong Kong race will be placed on involving local schools and students, as well as developing engagement activities outside of the race itself. Hopefully half of schools participating this year will be local secondary schools, and we can hit the HKD 2 million mark for fundraising in our home city.
How can Hong Kongers get involved with 24 Hour Race?
Support the cause, inspire young people to get involved, send in ideas for reaching new communities.
What are some of your favourite charities, other than 24 Hour Race of course?
We love Charity Water, which is based in the US and we especially admire their fundraising campaigns such as Donate A Birthday and the ownership they give their donors over the impact of their dollars donated.
Green Queen Giving is a monthly series where we will showcase one of the the amazing NGOs and charities that we are proud to list in our Green Queen Guide to Hong Kong.
All photos courtesy of 24 Hour Race Hong Kong.
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