Planning a run for their money
BY RACHEL YOUNG
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Two Marlborough friends are tackling two different missions with the same goal – to help disadvantaged children in Africa.
In June, Nicky Smith will head to Kenya to work in an orphanage and to Ghana to teach for six months. But before then, in April, Indigo Greenlaw will pull on her running shoes to complete the 72km Queen Charlotte Track in a relay-style race with two friends to raise funds for the children Miss Smith will meet in Africa.
The 19-year-olds met while performing in Blenheim production War Child in 2007, the dramatic story of children who are soldiers in war.
Ever since, Miss Smith has been determined to help in some way.
"I think it's our generation that needs to start investing in other people's lives and education," she said.
Miss Smith has been working two jobs, tutoring and cleaning, and will work the vintage to pay for her trip. Any money raised will be used solely for buying supplies for the children she will meet in Africa.
Every bit really did help, she said. For example, $9 bought 50 books in Africa.
"Even $2 would help, as these people are surviving on less than a dollar a day."
Miss Smith said the money might be used for educational supplies, clothing, food or medical help, depending on what was needed most.
Miss Greenlaw said that ever since War Child, she had been interested in helping in Africa.
She had always wanted to do a run for charity so when Nicky told her she was going to Africa, she offered to do one to help raise funds.
"If I could go to Africa, I would go, but I can't, so this is a way for me to help Nicky."
She and two friends, Grace Hookway and Kristie Diggelmann, will take turns running the track from Ship Cove to Anakiwa in less than 15 hours. Miss Smith said that if she wasn't working the vintage, then she'd be doing the run too.
The three friends will pay their own expenses associated with the run and give all donations to Miss Smith.
"I think what she is doing is a great thing."
Miss Smith was blown away that the trio were willing to help out, especially as she'd never met two of them.
Miss Smith has organised her trip through International Volunteer HQ.
"I might come back and study something, but I'll never stop doing this. This is just the start."
To donate to Miss Greenlaw and Miss Smith's cause, contact Miss Smith on 0273064661 or nickynu809@hotmail.com.
- The Marlborough Express
