Running to make a difference
TWO Melbourne Jewish girls are running more than 800 kilometres to make a difference for the Jaly Home children’s home in India.
TWO Melbourne Jewish girls are running more than 800 kilometres to make a difference for a children’s home in India.
King David School graduate Jess Obel and Leibler Yavneh College graduate Tayla Steckoll have come together to raise money for the Jaly Home in Pondicherry, India, to upgrade its facilities.
The orphanage provides education and support to the underprivileged, financially poor and people with both physical and mental challenges.
“They’re not living in the conditions they were in on the streets, but it’s not good,” Obel told The AJN.
After visiting the orphanage earlier this year, the girls have set $2000 as their fundraising goal via a running challenge which started a fortnight ago. A team of eight girls will run 10 kilometres every week for two months and raise funds for the Indian orphanage.
It was clear after returning from the poverty-stricken area, the girls had to do something immediately.
“They need money to help renovate, to help provide and also, most importantly, to keep kids in school and give them an education and potential jobs.”
Obel, 21, and Steckoll, 22, want the entire community to get on board despite knowing the task ahead of them is no easy challenge.
“If anybody else wanted to join, that would be awesome … it goes for eight weeks,” Obel said.
The pair stressed that despite not being able to physically see the people in need, they still want to make a real impact on their lives.
“Our target is two thousand but every cent makes a difference. In India, the money goes that much further,” Obel said.
To donate, go to https://www.gofundme.com/2v3wc2pg.
DANIEL SHANDLER
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