Mary Joy Ethiopia organized an awareness creation and fundraising running event under the slogan “Kidney Health, Hope for Life.”
The run took place on Sunday, Ginbot 16, 2018 E.C. (Ethiopian Calendar), starting at 2:00 a.m. along the new road from Kazanchis Urael to Wollo Sefer. More than 7,000 people participated in the event.
During the event, different groups from the community who declared, “Kidney health concerns me; I stand with Mary Joy,” performed various chants and songs, adding excitement and energy to the run.
Participants interviewed during the run and short walk said that such programs have the power to mobilize the community and help create awareness about kidney health issues effectively.
Mrs. Tayiba Hassan, Director General of the Refugees and Returnees Service, attended the event and delivered a message emphasizing that awareness-raising activities should continue with greater strength.
Mrs. Konjit Debela, Head of the Addis Ababa Women and Children Affairs Bureau; Dr. Afomiya Abebe, President of the Ethiopian Women’s Federation; various government officials; and Mary Joy board members attended the event as honored guests.
Members of the Defense Force marching band led the walk after the Ethiopian national anthem was performed, and participants followed them throughout the procession.
The Ethiopian Real Estate Developers Association, Waryt, Dashen Bank, Hibret Bank, and other institutions supported the event and contributed to its success.
Sister Zebider Zewde, who attended the event, stated that over 10,000 people bought T-shirts to support the cause and described the participation of 7,000 runners as a major success for Mary Joy.
It was also announced that a similar awareness-raising running program would be held in Hawassa city, which is expected to strengthen the nationwide kidney health education campaign.
Mary Joy Ethiopia is a local charitable organization established legally in 1986 E.C. For more than three decades, it has been carrying out integrated development and humanitarian activities across different regions.
With strong support from the government, private sector, and the community, Mary Joy Ethiopia has been strengthening health services and undertaking hospital construction projects in Addis Ababa and regional cities. The organization gives special attention to kidney health problems and currently operates dialysis treatment centers in Hawassa, Addis Ababa, and Arba Minch. Preparations are also underway to launch services in Debre Birhan soon. Significant efforts are being made to expand and sustain these services in other cities as well.
It was also learned that the media coordination work for this program was carried out by Tewedaje Media and Communication (Ezra Ejigu).
