On the Run
Why we're going "On the Run"
One of the things that makes me most proud of the Partners community is how often I witness people responding to the suffering in our world with love and action. Whether it’s through financial support, service, advocacy, or prayers - I’m so grateful to be among people who are choosing not to look away. It’s my conviction that even our small acts of love and solidarity are not wasted.
The 40th Birthday Experiment
Last year, as I approached my 40th birthday, I was inspired by our community to do a small fundraiser run in support of our work with kids and communities in places like Myanmar, Syria, Iraq, Gaza, Bangladesh and more. As I trained, I would think about our friends who have had to run from explosions, violence, and worse. What started as a small experiment grew into a few other people joining in their own run and us raising over $5k. In the grand scheme of things, I know that’s not a ton of money, but it’s not nothing. Plus, having a fitness goal greatly helped manage my culinary hobbies :)
How far can we go?
This year, we’re hoping to invite even more people to join us for what could be a very meaningful movement that we’re calling “On the Run”. As we run, walk, hike, or bike - we’ll be moving in solidarity with our siblings around the world caught in conflict- telling their story every step of the way. There are currently 13 participants a part of the campaign so far, and have raised over $3,300 collectively! A message from a current On The Run participant: "My political worldview expanded in high school and college, when I was exposed to scholarship that helped me understand the structures of violence in our world. At the time, I was motivated to fight for justice and peace in our world through intellectual means, which led me to pursue a doctorate degree. But as I've gotten older, I've had a growing appreciation for where the intellectual meets the practical lived reality of those living through crisis. While reading and staying critically engaged is important, it also matters to supplement that work with direct action that meets the needs of those experiencing the most hardship. I decided to join "On the Run" as a way to put my values into action. By talking to folks about the issues Partners addresses, I'm able to draw on my knowledge to help others understand why our financial support and solidarity are crucial to helping women and children in war zones survive. While this is a small effort, raising awareness through fundraising can be a valuable tool in building support for those in need." Warmly, Aneliza
Why "On the Run"?
The name is more than just a play on words; it is a recognition of a heartbreaking reality. Right now, millions of people around the world are "on the run." They aren't running for fitness or for fun—they are fleeing conflict, escaping violence, and searching for the basic safety that every human being deserves.
When a family is forced to leave their home with nothing but what they can carry, they are "on the run" from a world that has, in many ways, turned its back on them.
It is easy to look away from the headlines. The suffering can feel too vast, the war too relentless. But at Partners, we believe love calls us to respond and that all of our collective efforts to bring hope and support matter.
Turning Movement into Mission
By joining the On the Run peer-to-peer fundraiser, we are choosing to stand in solidarity with those who are displaced. We are using our freedom of movement to provide support for those whose movement is forced.
Whether you’re running a marathon, walking your neighborhood, or simply dedicating your next yoga session to this cause, you are helping provide:
Emergency relief for families in makeshift shelters.
Trauma care for children who have seen things no child should see.
Education and healthcare in areas where war has stripped everything else away.
Join the Movement
Last year was just the beginning. This year, we’re inviting you to take this journey with us and see how far we can go together.
Whether you're celebrating a birthday, a personal goal, or simply want to stand for peace, we invite you to start your own "On the Run" campaign. Just last week, a group of friends banded together to participate in a local 5k walk, raising over $1,380 for On the Run! [Start Your Page Here] Together, we can ensure that while many remain on the run from conflict, they are never running alone.
War is relentless, but so is the light of our love. Let’s see how far that love can go. Chris Scott, Director of Strategic Engagement









