Mission 500, a nonprofit initiative focused on helping children and communities in crisis around the world, is assembling a team of runners to participate in the ING Half Marathon in Miami on Jan. 31 to raise awareness for “Operation Hope” in Haiti.
Led by security industry leaders, Mission 500 is working toward a goal of sponsoring 500 children worldwide through the World Vision program, a humanitarian organization that provides emergency relief, economic development and other services in communities around the world.
So far, more than 30 security industry professionals are registered to participate in the Miami event; 100 percent of the funds raised will go to World Vision to provide food, clothing and education to Haitian children.
Miami officials began providing critical emergency relief and aid to Haiti through Operation Hope after a series of tragic storms in September 2008 devastated the island nation. Then in December, Miami Mayor Manny Diaz, in partnership with World Vision, announced an expansion of Operation Hope to further increase Haitian relief efforts.
Numerous training sessions are available for the half marathon. Mission 500 is also looking to create teams looking to run for fun. For more information, visit www.mission500.org.
