Join

5K Run to be Held for African Nation

Stafford, Va. –– Ebenezer United Methodist Church, a local Stafford County church, is helping children in Africa by hosting a 5K race and one mile fun run on Oct. 15, 2011. “Go for Bo” is the first race in our area that is focused exclusively on children and health issues in Bo, Sierra Leone, Africa.

In stark contrast to Stafford County’s recent recognition as having the 7th median household income in the United States, Sierra Leone, Africa is perpetually at the bottom of the United Nations Human Development Index, ranking low in indicators such as malnutrition, infant and maternal mortality, and life expectancy.

“This is really an area where the church can bring the community together to help others,” stated Lisa Jones, race committee volunteer. “One hundred percent of the proceeds from this race will go to helping the children at the Child Rescue Centre and Mercy Hospital in Bo, Sierra Leone.”

Opened in 2000 to support 40 children, the Child Rescue Centre today supports nearly 250 children providing them shelter, food, clothing, education and a family. Mercy Hospital opened in Bo, Sierra Leone in 2007 to provide medical care regardless of ability to pay and now serves around 900 patients a month and has developed thriving community outreach programs.

Ebenezer Church has supported both the Child Rescue Centre and Mercy Hospital since inception and is helping to promote awareness of the poverty and sex-trafficking of children in that county.

After being ravaged by a 10-year civil war, Sierra Leone is one of the poorest countries in the world. A broken infrastructure and endemic poverty impact every area of their lives. There is a 35 percent literacy rate in Sierra Leone, and one in seven women die giving birth. Both the Child Rescue Centre and Mercy Hospital were started to assist children orphaned as a result of civil war.

Today the focus is turning toward assistance provided in response to the alarming prevalence of child trafficking and forced child labor in Africa.

The run starts and finishes at Ebenezer United Methodist Church (161 Embrey Mill Rd. Stafford, VA). The Go For Bo! 5K will use Precision Race timing services to record the results of runners. Each runner is provided a Jaguar disposable bib-chip as part of their race materials. The disposable RFID timing chip is permanently attached to the runner’s bib.

Kids and strollers are welcome, but for safety reasons, please leave your pets at home. For information on the 5K race or 1mile fun run on October 15, go to ebenezerumc.org/goforbo.

-Press release

Recent Stories

The mother of a former student at North Stafford High School has filed a lawsuit against the county school division seeking $15 million in compensatory damages, alleging failure to protect her child.

Virginia is beginning to experience some of the impacts from the cargo ship crash that brought down Baltimore’s Francis Scott Key Bridge, closing a vital shipping lane leading to one of the eastern seaboard’s busiest ports.

Rep. Abigail Spanberger was in Stafford County on Wednesday, March 27, 2024 to tout her efforts to bring federal dollars to the district.

Route 1 is closed at Port Potomac in Woodbridge, near Cardinal Drive. 

Are you facing life’s challenges, feeling overwhelmed, or seeking personal growth? Embrace the path to emotional well-being with our expert psychotherapy services!

Why Choose Us?

Our team of compassionate and experienced psychotherapists is here to guide you on your journey to inner peace, self-discovery, and positive change. We provide a safe and supportive environment where you can explore your thoughts and feelings without judgment.

Read More

Submit your own Community Post here.

Dreaming of small-town charm with big-city convenience? Look no further than 7156 Main St in Clifton, Virginia! Nestled just 30 miles from the heart of Washington D.C., this picturesque property offers the best of both worlds.

Escape the hustle and bustle of the city to find tranquility in this quaint, historic town. With its tree-lined streets and friendly community atmosphere, Clifton is the perfect place to call home. Yet, with its close proximity to the nation’s capital, you’ll never be far from the excitement and opportunities of urban living.

Imagine weekends exploring local shops, dining at charming cafes, and enjoying outdoor adventures in nearby parks. Then, commute to D.C. for work or play, soaking in all the culture, entertainment, and career opportunities the city has to offer.

Read More

Submit your own Community Post here.

Van Metre 5K Run

Participate in the 32nd Annual Van Metre 5K Run, a race that goes further than 3.1 miles, and every stride you take supports Children’s National Hospital. The Van Metre 5K Run donates 100% of proceeds to Children’s National Hospital and

Ă—

Subscribe to our mailing list