Gainesville-based Global Envoy, a Christian non-profit, is holding its first-ever online fundraiser, a virtual 5K, 10K or half-marathon race for participants.
Global Envoy, originally founded in 2000 as Net India to support church planting and short-term mission projects in Southeast Asia, also conducts local mission work in Gainesville and Hall County. The local mission efforts have expanded during the ongoing pandemic, according to Executive Director Micah Grindle, saying the major focus is on what they call "The Avenue Initiative."
"We're looking to raise funding and awareness, as we work to see underserved communities in the area flourish not only spiritually, but also physically," Grindle said. "Our biggest goal right now - and it's a big one - is to create a community center to house our Avenue Initiative Programs."
For now, those programs include weekly tutoring for students, back-to-school supply collections and translation services for the Latino community.
Global Envoy also has a homeless ministry called "Highways and Hedges" that offers church services for members of the local homeless community, as well as food and clothing distribution for those in need.
The Human Race fundraiser is open to anyone regardless of physical location. Participants can sign up online via Charity Footprints and select one of three virtual race options, which can be completed at any time during the month of May.
"Even if you aren't much of a runner, you can walk or you can just support us financially and just sit on your sofa at home and cheer for everyone else," said Grindle.
Sponsors for the inaugural Human Race are Blue Ridge Foundations, Blue Ridge Landscapes,LLC, Chestnut Mountain Church, Corinth Baptist Church, Ertzberger Builders, LLC, G&L Painting, Longstreet Cafe, Milton Martin Toyota, Mobile Fleet Solutions, Outback Lawn & Landscapes, Stow, Garvin & Glenn and Syfan Logistics.
To participate in The Human Race, follow this link to register.
To find out more about Global Envoy, follow this link to the non-profit's website.
