Issue date: 9/29/09 Section: Features

In Filipino, "Gawad Kalinga" (GK) means "to give care" and students at NSU are aiming to achieve this goal by running a 13.1 mile marathon in Fort Lauderdale, Fla.

The marathon was organized by NSU alumnus Jessica Samson. "She loves to run, and so she thought it would be fun to raise money through a marathon," explained Ish Aberion, master's of business and entrepreneurship student and GK member. Through sponsorships, participants hope to raise enough money to build an entire GK village.

The marathon is scheduled for Nov. 15. GK will be training on Sat. mornings from 6 a.m. to 8 a.m. and Sun. mornings from 6 a.m. to 8:30 a.m. On Sun., the group also holds a yoga class following the run on the beach.

"After our runs, we like to jump in the waves. It's a great time," said Ish Aberion.

"This is my first marathon ever and what motivates me is seeing the individual faces of the people and the children I am helping. I don't feel right complaining about running when I've seen these individuals work with no shoes, no house and other difficulties," stated Anna Aberion, pre-pharmacy student, who will also be running the marathon.

GK was formed off campus by a couple who started a group originally called "Couples for Christ." This association aimed to teach youth about values, pursuing education and other information that could help them escape from poverty. The organization evolved into GK and now aims to build sustainable communities in the Philippines.

"Unlike Habitat for Humanity, which is more like a soft loan that participants have to pay back, GK builds entire communities and helps create opportunities, so that the beneficiaries can support themselves." Said Anna Aberion.

Aberion heard about the organization in her sophomore year and, by the age of 21, purchased a house in the Philippines for one of the GK villages, "It was the best birthday gift I could've ever had."

"You don't have to be from the Philippines to care. I'm Vietnamese, and I'm running the marathon because the individuals GK helps are human beings and I want to help improve their standard of living," explained Phong Chung, an undergraduate student studying business administration. "Not only just issues surrounding poverty but also the sicknesses they are exposed to because they can't afford the medication they need."

For more information about the marathon or to join GK, contact Ish Aberion at (954) 736-8977 or visit www.GK1world.com.

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