Let's Run Together for Children's Smiles Vol. 8

Long-time friends and partners of the Older Brother, Older Sister Foundation, NGO Marathon Sarajevo, gave us the opportunity and space to participate in their well-known, certified race, the Sarajevo 10k. On Sunday, June 29, another of our campaigns, titled Let’s Run Together for Children’s Smiles, was successfully held with the goal of raising funds for the implementation of the Older Brother, Older Sister project. This year, the Foundation’s team consisted of 15 volunteers who sold their completed kilometers, thus helping pave the way toward a happier childhood.

The day before the race, at the race packet pick-up location, we asked some of our runners why they chose to run and support the Older Brother, Older Sister Foundation. Amila Imamović, a karate athlete representing Bosnia and Herzegovina, said: “I run not only for the kilometers, but for the children. Because every child deserves support and someone who believes in them.” Amila suffered an injury during the race, but with the care and motivation of our other runners, she successfully reached the finish line.

Always cheerful and full of positive energy, our Adna Bukvić, a volunteer from the OBOS program and a member of the Foundation’s team for the Sarajevo 10K, said: “When you know that every step you take can mean something to someone, the decision becomes simple. This is not just a race, this is a way to be part of someone’s better story.”

“If my small contribution can help a greater cause, which is the smile and happiness of at least one child in the program, I will always be happy to take part,” said Emin Alić, a long-time runner for our Foundation, proudly and happily holding his race bib in his hands.

Muhammed Ahemtović laughed when asked and said he had been eagerly waiting to contribute to the Older Brother, Older Sister Foundation, because, as he put it: “I run because some child somewhere needs to know that there is someone who is thinking of them and running just for them.”

A big thank you to everyone who supported our campaign, who helped us collect funds by purchasing kilometers to keep smiles on children’s faces; thank you to our dedicated runners, and to our long-time partners NGO Marathon Sarajevo. Good luck to everyone preparing for new sports achievements.

We will see you at Sarajevo’s biggest running sensation, the Sarajevo Half Marathon, on September 21, where we will run together for those who need help the most! We invite all runners, as well as those who wish to support our work, to join us and become part of our team full of heart and energy.

How you can support the Foundation and participate in the charity race:

• Register to run with us! Run your kilometers and sell them for charity, helping children and young people for whom our support is of great importance.
  For registrations and more information, contact us at: fsbss@mentorstvo.ba or through our social media.
• Can’t join us at the start line? You can support us by making a donation and directly helping our programs. You can find donation details by clicking on DONATE!

So far, this running campaign has raised 6,770 BAM, giving us extra strength and motivation to continue. We sincerely thank all donors who have supported our work and believed in the mission of the Older Brother, Older Sister Foundation. Your support is key to the continuation of the Program, the nurturing of friendships between our mentors and mentees, and ensuring a happier childhood for all.

The Older Brother, Older Sister Foundation promotes gender-inclusive language. In our texts, we use only one grammatical gender to enhance readability, but it is clear from the context that it refers to all genders.

Prepared by: Asija Muslić, PR Department Assistant