It has become a tradition to start Bowfest day with a run for a good cause. At 8:30 a.m. on August 24, the start signal will sound for the children's run and at 9:00 for others, both runners and walkers, determined to help girls get an education in Rwanda. The Rotary Run for Rwanda is a major fundraiser for the Komera Project and has replaced the popular Run for the Ferry since 2011.
In 2008, Margaret Butler began raising awareness about the plight of girls in Rwanda with the help of her parents, Hilary and Robin Butler. And together, they have achieved considerable success.
"We support girls in Grade 10, 11 and 12, through three years of high school," says Hilary Butler, adding that the project only accepts additional pupils once the funding for all three years is secured, in order to ensure continuity. In addition, Komera works with academic institutions and other organizations to help secure post-secondary education options.
"Of the 75 girls who are supported by the Komera Project, 10 are sponsored by Bowen Islanders and other Canadians," Hilary Butler explains. "The girls' high school fees are covered and everything they need along the way such as uniforms, bedding, transportation and health products." The Komera Project also pays for a social worker and organizes leadership and vocational camps. It also provides entrepreneurial advice to the girls who all come from extremely disadvantaged families in rural Rwanda.
Komera Canada (www.komeracanada.ca) has recently received charitable status, just in time for this year's event, and participants will be able to get a tax receipt for their donations. Hilary Butler has been joined by board members Susan Munro, Peter Baumgartner, Sue Ritchie and Barry Adams fellow Bowen Islanders who have come to feel passionately about the work of Komera plus Vancouverite Courtney Inman.
"The evidence is overwhelming that educating girls benefits both them and their communities, no matter where they live. This is particularly so in countries that historically have placed less emphasis on educating women," Susan Munro said. "I am so impressed with Margaret Butler's practical and effective approach to supporting young women in Rwanda." Munro added that she is proud to support a charity that isn't encumbered by excessive administration and directs its contributions almost entirely towards improving the lives of the young scholars in Rwanda.
"I found a recent blog post from Margaret particularly inspirational," Munro said, drawing attention to http://www.komeraproject.org/blog.
The initiative has grown to areas well beyond Bowen Island, says Hilary Butler. "A few weeks ago, we organized a mini run/walk on Bowen in support of the Global Run for Girls set up by Margaret," she said. "The event raised $45,000 around the world. Around 400 girls ran in Rwanda and that run coincided with others in New York, Boston, San Francisco, Calgary and even China!"
Hilary said she was surprised at the positive response and the growing awareness that is building around the Komera Project. She hopes it will also find reflection in the numbers of this year's Rotary Run for Rwanda.
"One of our popular features is the children's run," says Hilary. "And the Bowfest board has donated tickets for the first 30 children up to age nine who sign up." Participants can choose from a 10k or 5k run, a 5k walk or a 1.5k kids' run. Hilary Butler explained that runners can register online at http://www.raceonline.ca/events/details/?id=425 until midnight August 22, or at North Shore Athletics, Phoenix on Bowen or the First Credit Union. Late registration is available on the morning of the event but it is hoped that participants will sign up early in order to avoid a last-minute rush.
There will also be a draw of prizes donated by local businesses. "The Run for Rwanda has been supported by Bowen Rotary since the beginning," Hilary Butler added. "And we have also received some generous donations from the public."
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