Glentoran Football Club is delighted to support the excellent work done by the employees and volunteers at Women’s Aid, so we are very happy to formally endorse the 10K by May initiative run by Women’s Aid in Belfast and Lisburn. We urge the Glentoran Family to support this cause as only we can, to help mitigate in some way the effects of domestic violence against women and children.
What is 10K by May?
10K by May is an awareness and fundraising campaign led by the team from Belfast and Lisburn Women’s Aid. The aim of the campaign is to raise awareness of the impact of domestic abuse on women and their children, as well as to raise awareness of the important work done by the team at Belfast and Lisburn Women’s Aid.
The campaign has a fundraising target of £10,000 by the 1st of May, which is in just over two months! The target has been set at that level because the people of Belfast and Lisburn have demonstrated so often that they are more than capable of coming together to support us and the work that Women’s Aid do in the community. Plus, who doesn’t like a challenge!
Lastly, 10K by May aims to build a community of supporters – people just like you! Women’s Aid has many, many people who support their work year-round, either with donations, time, online support or in other ways, so they want to do something to bring them together and create a community of like-minded people who are passionate and want to get involved.
Belfast & Lisburn CEO Kelly Andrews: “The 10K by May campaign aims to shine a light on and raise awareness of the devastating effect of domestic abuse on women and children in our community, particularly during the pandemic when many are trapped at home with abusers.
“The campaign presents an opportunity for the people of Belfast and Lisburn to get involved with and support the work we do, while also staying active and looking after themselves mentally and physically during what we all know is a very difficult time for everyone.
“We’re encouraging anyone and everyone to join us and take on the challenge in their own way; as well as a fund and awareness-raising campaign, we see it as an opportunity to create a community of passionate supporters who share our values and are keen to help us keep supporting local women and children who are in need of our services.”
Some information and answers to frequently asked questions on the initiative:
Do I have to run?
No! Women’s Aid want as many people as possible to join in with them, so no you do not have to run the 10K, although you can if you want to. You can also walk it, you can cycle, you can even skip if that’s what you enjoy best! You could also split the distance over a few days – as long as you’re up-front with your sponsors about the way you’re going to complete the challenge, they’re happy for you to do it in whatever way you like. No driving though…
Will there be an event?
There won’t be an event at a specific location, mainly due to current Covid-19 restrictions but also to give participants the freedom to take on the challenge wherever they want to.
Despite this, participants are encouraged to undertake their 10K on the 1st of May if they can. This way, everyone can take on the challenge together…but apart!
Who can sign up?
Anyone to sign up! Adults, youngsters, even babies in prams (with parental permission)! Women’s Aid would love as many people as possible to get involved in this campaign, so they’re happy whether you’re a family who want to take on the challenge together or a seasoned runner ready to face it alone.
How can I get involved?
The most obvious way is to sign up and complete the 10K, however if that’s not for you, you can get involved by following the journey on social media channels and sharing with your friends and family. Support online is really important to Women’s Aid and what they do; the 10K by May campaign is not only about fundraising, but also about raising awareness of how domestic abuse affects women and children, and of Women’s Aid’s services too.
Get involved on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter by using the #10KbyMay hashtag.
Sponsor participants via the campaign's JustGiving campaign!
How do I sign up?
You can sign up by sending an email to socialpartnership@glentoran.com . Once you’ve signed up, a member of the team at Belfast and Lisburn Women’s Aid will be in touch to give you more information and answer any queries you might have.
I’d like more information before committing – who can I contact?
If you’d like more details about the #10KbyMay challenge, drop an email to events@belfastwomensaid.org.uk and Women’s Aid staff and volunteers will be happy to chat more about how you can get involved.
