CHC runs for a good cause

The Frankfurt City Run, initiated by the relief organization Cargo Human Care (CHC) and held to support Kenyan children in need, had to take place virtually these past two years, thanks to the pandemic. That phase is now over. Last week, the run was once again held as an onsite event. However, in contrast to before the pandemic, it was offered as a hybrid event - both live and virtual.

The attendance exceeded the organizers’ wildest expectations. More than 500 runners participated at the event, and almost 1000 runners and cyclists took part virtually. Together, they covered a distance of roughly 13,000 kilometers. This compares to a ride from Alaska to Tierra del Fuego in the southernmost part of South America. Or – second illustration – from Frankfurt to Nairobi and back (about 12,900 km). “If we go on like this, we might manage a distance equivalent to half the circumference of the earth at the next City Run in a year's time, which would be 20,000 km,” CHC boss and mastermind, Fokko Doyen is already looking ahead to Summer 2023.

120 dedicated volunteers
The organizational team around Lufthansa Cargo's soccer team, the Cargo Bulls, has already begun preparations, confirms Christopher Biaesch. His colleagues, Uwe Schnier and Manfred Goetz added to this that 120 helpers organize the CityRun voluntarily in their spare time and completely without any financial consideration. “Without your support, we could not carry out such an event,” applauded Fokko Doyen at the event. The former Lufthansa Cargo fleet chief (MD-11F), retired 1.5 years ago and now dedicates his time fully to CHC.

Giving children a future
However, last Friday's award ceremony (26AUG22), honoring the many participants, and moderated by CargoForwarder Global, was less about the performance of the runners or cyclists. Instead, the purpose of the event was the “star” of the show. Its motto was written on many sweatshirts and illustrated on banners hanging at the Hahnstraße stadium in Frankfurt-Niederrad, where the runners crossed the finish line. It read: “Step by Step. Giving children a future.”

It is about those Kenyan children who have not had much good fortune in their life: Mainly orphans who, thanks to CHC and supported by Kenya’s Anglican Church, are fed and accommodated in a safe boarding house run by CHC, are given medical care, and whose schooling is ensured by the organization.

Most efficient use of donations
Founded 15 years ago, the relief organization has become a kind of oasis for the foster children, giving them a solid start in life, from education through to arranging jobs once they complete their schooling. As the former U.S. President, John F. Kennedy, once said: “A child without education is a lost child.”

Of all funds collected by CHC, 99% reaches those in need. This ratio of 99 to 1 is probably a worldwide record for a relief organization. In other organizations, administration, organizational, and personnel costs eat up significant portions of the donations. This also applies to very well-known and globally active charity organizations.