The idea
The idea of a “Lions Charity Run” from Poland to Germany, as part of the 2013 International Congress, was developed by Polish Lions friends PDG Mariusz Szeib abd PDG Daniel Wcislo, both from the LC Poznan Rotunda. They asked the German Lions for assistance and the request was forwarded to LF Ludwig Schlereth who has many years of experience in staging the “Halle runs – Lions Benefizlauf” (www.benefizlauf-halle.de). The initial idea was expanded to allow as many friends of Lions as possible from Germany and other countries to take part. The entire project is based on the guiding principle of Lions International "We Serve" and aims to enhance the international friendship amongst Lions, especially in neighbouring countries.
Nothing connects people more than getting together in an effort to master a great challenge. Running together across country boundaries, in particular, is one event that can achieve such connections. Longtime active Polish and German LF marathon runners want combine in a relay team to complete the Stettin to Hamburg course, about 400km. Of course, other teams can choose to complete sections of the Stettin-Hamburg route, rather than run the whole distance. The "Lions Charity Run" also seeks to spread the idea of benevolence. All donations will be distributed to good causes.
Sponsorship will be per kilometre per team. Each team is free to set the per-kilometre sponsorship amount above the minimum (€10 per kilometre). The Poland-Germany team has set itself the ambitious goal of achieving a sponsored amount of €100 for every kilometre run. The first donations have already been received from clubs in Poland and the US. Clubs from many other European countries have already committed to support the event as sponsors, or by entering teams. Every team of runners can reserve the right to nominate a particular charity or Lions International project to receive a part of the funds raised by the team.
Lions around the world are engaging in a large variety of activities and events. It is this engagement, which is our strength, that defines our way of making the world a better place. All activities have a common goal, namely to help those who are in great need of help. The "Lions Charity Run Hamburg 2013" is a new type of event, one that has never been staged before.
In this sense we are trying to achieve as much as possible in support of the Lions cause. Through the staging of the Lions Charity Run and crossing the same finish-line we are supporting a good cause: “Towards Hamburg, off to the Lions Clubs International Convention 2013”.