“JoyRun” raises Funds for Joyya

A wet Wellington morning didn’t deter the enthusiasm of St Tom’s young people as they ran to raise funds for Joyya.

Held following Sunday morning’s service, the Joyrun involved up to 30 tamariki aged from age three to twelve (and a few enthusiastic adults).

The goal was to run for 15 minutes around a makeshift course at Newtown School where St Tom’s meets each Sunday.

All proceeds from the event went to Joyya, a nonprofit working to spark good in communities impacted by poverty and modern slavery.

Priest in Charge at St Tom’s, Rev Paul Fletcher said, "The Joyrun was a total highlight. It was great seeing our tamariki having so much fun while also raising support for children overseas who do it tough and who Jesus loves deeply too. It was a real gift seeing our wider church come together for this and our kids led the way with joy and generosity. It was a beautiful glimpse of Jesus' presence among us."

Parents, friends and supporters were encouraged to support the runners via a give a little page so funds could go direct to Joyya.

A target of $5000 was made even sweeter when Tamsin Woolf, one of the Rātapu Sunday school leaders, offered to shave her hair off if the target was reached.

Parishioners and the tamariki who ran, will get to see Tamsin without her hair next Sunday.

For more on Joyya see their website here.