2011 10 Miles 4 Portland's Homeless - Recap
Written by Marion Olsen
See photos from the event and read the 2011 event recap below! The video will be coming soon! Stay tuned.
What can 30 people do in two hours?
Today 30 people came together to run, walk or bike ten miles for Portland's Homeless Community. Everyone was asked to bring donations for the Portland Rescue Mission and boy did they! Thank you to each and every one of you who came out this morning and/or made donations! Everyone was very generous, including some who donated four bags of clothing and blankets or boxes full of toiletries. Our SUV was packed to the brim with donations for the Portland Rescue Mission. In total, we collected 93 lbs of clothing/blankets (including many brand new items), 42 lbs of toiletries.
Amazing vs. the Norm
Let me go on to share a few highlights with you from the day. Many people mentioned how amazing I am to want to spend my birthday in this way or to organize such an event. While I appreciate the compliment, I don't want any of the glory. In fact, I don't want the act to be amazing at all. I want it to be inspirational. So much so, that this type of activity and desire to help others in need becomes the norm. All that money my loved ones or I could have spent on gifts or a big birthday celebration was instead used to bless other people who are truly in need.
While many of us were cold and wet or now have tired achy feet and legs, we also had a home to return to with a hot shower and food in the refrigerator. The incredibly large amount of homeless people in our community don' t have any of that and are dealing with those conditions and worse on a daily basis. I just used the term "homeless people" but what does that really look like? That likely conjures up images of a peddler with a cardboard sign on the street corner or someone who is a bit disheveled and pushing a shopping cart with all their possessions. Let me share with you how else this might look. Today, one of our volunteers experienced many people pass by the tent and inquire what the event was for or throw a thumbs up her direction. However, one of those people was different from the others. This woman looked, sounded and acted like all the others. But, after talking to the woman for a few minutes, our volunteer found out this woman was homeless. The woman said she keeps warm in warming shelters during the day and goes to overnight shelters, if she can find one with room, in the evenings. She said she visits the Portland Rescue Mission on many occasions and they have been an incredible organization in the community. It makes you wonder just how many homeless are living amongst us but that we'd never suspect. People are hurting everywhere and they need our help! You might be surprised how many people are homeless but are afraid or ashamed to tell anyone. And when you really think of it, how far away are any of us from being homeless? A lost job, a severe injury, a medical situation, a life changing emotional situation - many of us are one bad situation or several missed pay checks away from being in similar circumstances.
Unexpected Blessings
After the event a few of us cleaned up and prepared to put the leftover food and coffee away. Someone suggested, maybe we should take all the leftover food and give it to some of the homeless that we saw along the course. What a great idea! I don't need the calories from the bagels and muffins nor do they need to sit in my freezer and get freezer burned and then thrown out. I loved the idea of every part of the event blessing the homeless. So, we packed everything up and headed out on foot to personally hand these homeless people a bagel, muffin or hot cup of coffee. It was an amazing experience and many of them were so profusely thankful of our gesture. We then went over to the Portland Rescue Mission to make the donation. The staff were incredibly friendly and thankful. We ran into a couple homeless people while making several trips to transport donations from the car. They asked for some items they needed and thankfully, we were able to provide. One man said he needed a sweatshirt. I told him the one I found might be a little large on him. He said that was fine and immediately put it on. Another asked for a blanket and we were able to give him a brand new one in a zippered plastic bag so he could keep it dry.
What's up next?
Next year our goal is to more than double our donation and increase the extent of the event. We hope you'll consider joining us. Be sure to check back sometime later this year to register for the 2012 event! Thank you for making a difference in the lives of those in need!
Bless it Forward
Written by Marion Olsen
A one time challenge, a one time gesture, only means so much! 3(30)'s isn't a fleeting moment. Another birthday is upon me instead of simply celebrating and thanking all those who have blessed me, I am going to spread the love and bless others. If I can get moderate size groups of friends and loved ones (and even a few strangers, how cool was that) to join me in running 30 miles for my 30th birthday, why wouldn't those same people or others join me in blessing others? People always talk about paying it forward. Now is the time to Bless it Forward. So this year, on my 31st birthday, I am asking all of you to join me in walking or running 10 miles (nope not 30 or 31, see how easy I've been on you!!! :)) for Portland's Homeless. Rather then paying some sort of entry fee, I am simply asking you bring a donation for the Portland Rescue Mission.
When: Saturday, January 15th, 8:00 AM
Arrive by: 7:45 am and be prepared with your own hydration and fuel needs. There will be no aid stations on the route.
Cost: A donation (of any items on the below list) to the Portland Rescue Mission! Your donation is your "entry fe"e. Bring your items to the event and I'll take care of donating all the items collected.
The following items are suggested donation items:
Bibles (NLT)
Socks
New Undergarments(men and women)
Coats, Hats, Gloves
Jeans (men)
Sleeping Bags
Twin Blankets
Backpacks
Spray Deodorant
Disposable Razors
Toothbrushes
Toothpaste
Travel-Size Toiletries
If you can join us, please RSVP via Facebook so we can plan accordingly!
The Big Day - Run Report
Written by Marion Olsen
Wow, where do I begin? Amazing, simply amazing in every possible way. I am still having a hard time fighting back the tears, and no not because of the pain. This event and day far surpassed my greatest wishes. Let me frame a picture for you.
1. I completed my goal of running 30 miles (30.75 to be exact) on my 30th birthday - despite almost "bonking" at mile 20 and having to really push through the pain and discomfort. But it doesn't begin to stop there!
2. I have the most amazing husband who continues to surprise me and impress me. Byron is the reason I am even able to run this far. A supportive husband is one that doesn't complain about your running and maybe even encourages you now and then. An amazing husband (Byron), not only does those things and more, he MAKES SURE I get my run in. It's because of his encouragement and support day in and day out that got me to the start line. In addition, he made me this incredible website, two vinyl banners for the big day, designed a shirt for me, set-up and took down everything, and spent 5.5 half hours in standing by to welcome supporters, take photos and cheer us on. Byron, I can't thank you enough!
3. This event did exactly what 3(30)s was designed for! It inspired others! Two complete strangers joined the run today (one for 20 miles) because they heard about the event from a friend of mine who wasn't even able to make it out. That's awesome! Thank you for joining us and may you continue to reach your running goals. In addition, it inspired others to set their own goals and accomplish them! My friend Rea ran the entire distance with me (this is also the first time she has gone this far), and Tara and Sara did one 10 mile loop - the farthest they have ever run! This is awesome!!!
4. This run left lasting impressions on not only those that participated or cheered us on, but on every passerby! Byron took comment after comment from people passing through the aid/support station in the park asking what the event was about. He would explain and people were either impressed, in awe, or taking mental notes of doing something similar themselves. Again, completely awesome!
5. I am so incredibly blessed. I dedicated a mile to 30 of the blessings of the day and yet, all day I was flooded with thoughts of so many more. I am shocked and overwhelmed by all the support and love. Byron shared with me many of the comments people had about me today and it brought me to tears. I can't believe how many of you not only like me or admire me but also love me and are truly inspired by me, just being me, just the way I am. I am so simply overwhelmed by the outpouring of love, support and encouragement. Thank you so much for all of you that came out to the run or to lunch after, some that drove over two hours to make it out or who completely re-arranged their schedules. And thank you to all of those that wanted to come out but couldn't and each and every one of you that prayed for me and sent words of love and support. It made ALL the difference!
We'll see if my 40th birthday holds 40 miles. I'm not committing to anything yet, but it wouldn't surprise me if I took it on! :) If nothing else to be surrounded by this kind of love and support once again! You all made me laugh, smile and cry! What more could I ask for? Nothing.
Marion
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