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Recently, the Philadelphia Marathon team received word from the Perpetual Prosperity Pumps Foundation (PPPF) that we have successfully adopted three families in Ghana.  This is a result of more than 1,800 gently used pairs of donated sneakers at the 2008 Philadelphia Marathon Health & Fitness Expo. 

 (If you listen closely, both PPPF and the Philadelphia Marathon team are giving you a round of applause right now.)

Source: PPPF Web site.

Pictured are donated sneakers to PPPF.

According to an IHS Global Insight report, the average household income of a Ghanaian family is $762 per year — a level most Americans would find incomprehensible.  This very low amount feeds and sustains a family structure of about 10 relatives living together.

Recognizing the need for change, PPPF developed a program that provides a well, irrigation system, training, seeds and livestock to perpetually sustain an income and provide basic needs for a Ghanaian family.  And they do this with every 600 pairs of sneakers that are donated.  Funding for these necessary tools is provided from the proceeds of reselling donated shoes collected by PPPF in major metro areas.

Partnering with qualified training organizations in Ghana and supplying enough technology transfer, PPPF makes it possible for a family to increase its income as much as 400 percent or more within the first 12 months and as much as 1,000 percent within two years. Families gain livestock such as roosters, hens, rabbits and hutches in addition to vegetable farms, access to irrigation systems, an installed water pump after irrigation training has been completed, a colonized bee hive, 50 assorted fruit trees and mushroom bags. A bicycle is also provided so a family can easily travel to local markets.

Source: PPPF Web site.

A family learns how to use a new water pump.

And if that wasn’t enough, families also receive entrepreneurship skills like networking, accessing microfinance sites and structuring grower networks. They also receive free eye and dental screening, HIV education, bednets and malaria medication.

It’s really amazing to think that your used running shoes can contribute to essentially lifting a family out of poverty. So this November, bring sneakers from your closet, your friend’s closet, your family’s closet to the Health & Fitness Expo and encourage others to donate, too.

We know the Fedri, Frempong and Fatao families are grateful for your contribution, which supports 32 of their combined family members.

The Perpetual Prosperity Pumps Foundation is doing great things and the 2009 Philadelphia Marathon is proud to support such a terrific organization.

For more information, visit www.pppafrica.org.

Filed under: PPPF, Sustainability, Uncategorized by admin
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As we celebrate Earth Day tomorrow, what better time and what better event than a high profile sporting event to flex our environmental muscle?

 This week, race organizers are announcing measures that the race will take to lessen the carbon footprint of more than 18,000 runners and their fans in the City of Brotherly Love and Sisterly Affection from Friday, November 20 through Sunday, November 22.

 Eco-friendly changes in the marathon from recycling medals to paperless registration are expected to make a significant impact.

 At the start of the race last year, you may have noticed that much of the discarded clothing near the starting line was collected when you finished your 8K, marathon or half marathon. This was because race organizers partnered with the Bethesda Project, a local organization that assists the homeless, to collect the clothing, launder it and distribute it to 17 shelters throughout the city.

 This year at the Health and Fitness Expo, bins will continue to be available to drop off “used but not abused” running shoes for the Perpetual Pumps Foundation.  These shoes are resold in major metro areas and the proceeds fund 12 months of regenerative farming training and medical needs and tools necessary to support families living in Ghana.

 Leftover medals from last year’s race will be melted down and ribbons will also be reclaimed for future races. You will also notice that recycling bins will be set up throughout the Health and Fitness Expo.

 While most runners - nearly 90 percent - sign up for the race online already, there will be additional efforts to encourage you to sign up online this year, reducing the need for paper recycling.

 One of the most fun nights of the Philadelphia Marathon weekend is the one before the race when runners and their families and friends come together for the pasta dinner.  This year, you’ll notice that there will be biodegradable plates, utensils and recycled napkin service at the Philadelphia Marathon Runners Buffet.

 Measures to continue making the race more sustainable are being researched further and updates will be made available.

 We’re all doing our part here to make our marathon lean, green and clean. To this end, we want to know: how are you lessening your carbon footprint in training for the Philadelphia Marathon?

Filed under: Sustainability by admin
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