Around 6,500 children and young people from 28 schools in Vienna and Lower Austria are already part of the LaufWunders – participation is still possible until the end of October.
Vienna (OTS) – For the 17th year in a row, thousands of children and young people are running for a good cause in the youngCaritas LaufWunder – Austria’s largest children’s and youth charity run – proving that social commitment is not only extremely valuable, but also fun. With every lap they run, they collect donations for young people in need at home and abroad. So far, around 6,500 students in Vienna and eastern Lower Austria have registered for running events at their schools. On Friday, 234 students from the elementary school and the St. Christiana Rodaun college for economic professions in Vienna’s 23rd district did their laps at the school sports field. They were cheered on by numerous parents and the two directors Sabine Hansen and Elisabeth Halmer, as well as by Klaus Schwertner, Caritas director of the Archdiocese of Vienna, and Alice Uhl, head of youngCaritas. “At LaufWunder, the young people deal with social issues and learn that it is enriching to stand up for others. It’s not about speed or competition, but about shared social commitment. “They show that they don’t care about social injustice and that everyone can do something concrete to help,” says Schwertner.
Last year, 9,466 participants ran an incredible 27,123 kilometers and collected 205,235 euros in donations for aid projects. “Everyone is having so much fun today, enjoying the exercise and helping. And what is achieved in the end – in terms of sport, solidarity and finances – is simply great!” says Uhl happily. This year, the donations will once again benefit projects for young people in need: including the Caritas emergency shelter a_way in Vienna and children’s aid centers in Ukraine. Schwertner: “Child poverty and young people living on the streets without a roof are a reality. This makes it all the more important to strengthen young people’s social skills and show that help is actually possible. The students’ great willingness to help is really encouraging!”
Every lap counts – registrations for running events are still possible.
The children and young people are informed about the aid projects before the LaufWunder and look for sponsors – such as parents, neighbors or relatives who donate an amount for each round. The children choose which project they want to dedicate “their kilometers” to. The more rounds they complete, the more donations are collected and make help possible. One hundred percent of all donations go to the projects. The youngCaritas LaufWunder is made possible throughout Austria with financial support from Erste Bank and Sparkassen. The running events at schools will take place from April to October 2024. You can run on your own sports field, in a park, in the gym or around a block.
Information and registration
young and committed: youngCaritas
youngCaritas is Caritas’ youth platform and contact point for children, teenagers and young adults who deal with social issues, get involved and make a difference or want to get to know and support Caritas and its diverse tasks. Last year, 70,095 children and young people were reached with a total of 420 campaigns, projects and events and 335 workshops in Vienna and eastern Lower Austria. 1,553 young people volunteered in the actionPool for numerous missions. 169 schools collected 22.5 tonnes of food and hygiene products through “Aktion Kilo”, thereby providing concrete support to people in need.
Questions & Contact:
Caritas Vienna
Jelena Antić, M.Sc
The press officer
0676 / 702 39 38
jelena. old@caritas-wien.at
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