[emcvay]

It occurred to me that many of you may be wondering why 'we' should help the charity AWOS (often called AWOSDV). Below I have pasted some of a letter from the founder of AWOS to one of the great folks out in Pittsburgh. I think it says it all.

Erik

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

".... I wish AWOS had a budget but we are in a "catch 22" when it comes to funding. Although we are based in Portland, Oregon, Pacific Northwest Companies won't fund us because our scope is international even though we help American citizens. Corporations that do business overseas, won't fund us because they do not want to "compromise" their business. (Let's face it, if a US company sponsors us and operates in Saudi Arabia and we "assist" an American woman out of Saudi, that could be bad for business). Although the Department of Justice refers abused American women overseas to us, we are not government funded. Domestic Corporations also don't tend to fund international efforts.

The main idea of MiniRun 2001 is to take the cause to the American people and raise awareness. Over 6 million American civilians live overseas, plus military wives and children that reach in the millions, and we are their sole domestic violence resource. We run on a purely volunteer workforce and are therefore limited in our capabilities.

Also, our cause is not very glamourous. People would rather not know about the abuse of our American citizens overseas. Most are under the impression that all they have to do is go to their American Embassies and they will help. This is false. The American Government and the American Military WILL NOT HELP civilians. (I know, I escaped the Middle East in 1999 with my three sons on my own after pleading with the American Embassy for three years to help me).

I know that I am probably "preaching to the choir" here, but it might give you some insight about why MiniRun 2001 is so important to American women and children overseas..."

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

If you would like to help Mini Run 2001 raise funds and awareness for these American women and children overseas, then please stop by our e-store and buy a great T-Shirt or make a small donation at the link below.
MINI RUN fund raiser

We sincerely appreciate your support.
Erik K. McVay
MINI RUN 2001