The Online Reflector

University of Indianapolis students and other Marion County residents came together, laced up their running shoes and ran for those affected by poverty and human trafficking during the Center for Global Impact Empower 5k.

The event, which was held on Sept. 21 at Eagle Creek County Park, was the third annual race for the organization.

Runners come to the final stretch towards the finish at the CGI Empower 5k. Photo by Zefeng Zhang

Center for Global Impact is a faith-based relief and development organization designed to assist those in need with financial and human resources.

“We work primarily in Cambodia to prevent human trafficking. We do that by two different business programs—sewing and culinary arts. We then sell these items made by the Cambodian women to help their kids,” said CGI CEO and Founder Chris Alexander.

According to UNICEF, human trafficking is the illegal trade of humans, mainly for sexual exploitation or forced slavery. When Cambodian families are faced with heavy financial burdens, some parents will sell their children to the other human traffickers. Although it is a crime in Cambodia, 35% of Cambodia’s prostitutes are children under the age of 16, according to a UNICEF survey.

A tent was located at the race for participants to browse and purchase items like shirts and purses. Each runner was also gifted a shirt, drink, snack and various coupons in a CGI Kids bag at registration. Once they crossed the finish line, runners were given bananas and water to help reenergize.

Besides CGI volunteers, UIndy had a handful of volunteers for the event as well.  Alexander’s daughter, Vanessa Alexander, is a student at UIndy. Since she has been a student here, CGI and UIndy have partnered together for various events.

The chapel stewards from the Office of Ecumenical & Interfaith Programs also helped at the 5K.

“We helped hand out water at the different stations and also held up signs along the course,” said junior compassion events planner for the chapel stewards Hannah Rucker.

This was the chapel stewards’ first service event of the year, but the group has two more events planned for this semester, such as serving dinner at a retirement home and working with the Exodus Refugee center to help set up an apartment, according to Rucker.

With final results totaling over 150 runners and thousands of dollars raised, Alexander said that CGI was happy with the successful event.

Alexander also said that CGI hosts other benefits throughout the year to raise awareness and support.

“We have a golf outing, which we had two months ago. We had our black tie gala event about three weeks ago at the Conrad as well,” Alexander said.

Anyone interested in finding out more about CGI can go to centerforglobal.org to learn about the organization and future events, as well as ways to get involved to support and spread awareness.