Recently, I ran across a project through Casey Neistat’s YouTube Channel, of one man, Hellah Sidibe doing something bigger than himself. He ran across America to raise awareness and funds for a non-profit organization, Soles4Souls. The “About Us” page on the Soles4Souls website states “Our programs are focused on making a measurable impact on people and the planet”.
Hellah’s fundraising page shares his story;
“My journey started with a pair of shoes and a goal to run every day for 2 weeks. Well those two weeks turned into 1 year.. 2 years.. 3 years.. and we're still going. We've built a whole community around running every day. It changed my life. After year two I knew I wanted to challenge myself in a way I had never done before. I told myself I would run across the country but it had to be bigger than me; It had to be about more people and be something that could bring change in some way. That’s when I found Soles4Souls. Soles4Souls is a nonprofit turning unwanted shoes into opportunity. They collect used and new shoes and clothing and put them to good use by providing relief, creating jobs, and empowering people to break the cycle of poverty. I grew up in West Africa, Mali, and when you’d get a new pair of shoes you had to make sure you took care of it because that would be your only pair of shoes for the next few years. Soles4Souls is a company whose mission my past and present align with perfectly. All you need to go for a run is a pair of shoes and I know exactly how far just 1 good pair of shoes can take someone. I’m hoping that along with inspiring people and my community, this run pulls everyone together and unifies the country during these times where it feels so divided. Running is so special to me because no matter what your height, weight, age, ethnicity, education, or income is, anybody can get out there and do it. You don’t need anything crazy and you don’t need any experience. It’s amazing to see people from all walks of life on a journey together and running is the one sport I’ve seen it most. I’m excited to share my journey with the world and run across the United States”.
Our programs are focused on making a measurable impact on people and the planet.
- Soles4Souls
He ran 84 straight days. He ran 40 miles per day for a total of 3,200 miles through 15 states. And when interviewed by Casey Neistat, Casey asked what he wanted people to take from his project. He gave a few examples.
Hellah wants you to know that you are much stronger than you think, he’s the first black person to run across the Unites States of America from L.A. to N.Y. City, and that It doesn’t matter who you are or what you do that you should get up and chase your dreams and goals. He wants you to understand that you shouldn’t allow anyone to label you. You can just make your dreams and goals happen.
What great take aways and accomplishment!
Most of us have a passion, a cause, or something we simply wish we could change. What is yours? How can you make a difference? You don’t have to run across America like Hellah did, but you can do small things within your community to help create change. Volunteering your time to feed the homeless. Or, pick up trash in your neighborhood. You can apply a skill you have to a non-profit that desperately needs it to help raise awareness. Maybe you have good organizational skills, maybe you have a love of photography or writing, or maybe you just have a deep love for something and you have some time to spare.
Any and all of those skills can be used to help give your passion a voice. With minimal money and a little effort you can create a blog like this one in order to create a voice for yourself and others.
Quite simply, YOU can create change. Most times, change starts with just one person deciding to make a difference on behalf of others. Be the change you wish to see. There are people who need you.
Make it your Absolute Intent to be better today than you were yesterday.