Fasting 5K Detroit – Fasting Muslims Run for Youth Mental Health

DETROIT, Mich., June 21, 2016 – In the spirit of Ramadan, Detroit area Muslims will gather together near the end of a 17-hour fast to walk/run in the Fasting 5K. The Fasting 5K event will take place June 25, to raise money for youth mental health services on a local and international level.

Ramadan is a special month when Muslims around the world fast from sunrise to sunset and take extra time to pray, reflect, and give charity. Fasting 5K is a grassroots organization that creates a network of communities that walk/run for one cause – combining the spirit of fasting, running and charitable giving during the month of Ramadan. This year’s participating cities are Boston, Chicago, Columbus, Detroit, New York City, Toronto and Washington D.C.

Detroit is participating in the Fasting 5K for its second year, and 65 people are registered to participate. The chapter has selected The Children’s Center as the recipient of its team’s donations – funds raised will go to the Crisis Care Center which is an immediate walk-in alternative to the hospital emergency room for non-medically related crisis affecting the mental health of children between four and 17 years old. This center provides crisis intervention for issues not requiring hospitalization and provides an environment for “cooling down” and addressing home, life or behavioral issues too often seen in hospital emergency rooms.

A portion of all funds raised from each chapter will also go to an international charity, Syrian American Medical Services (SAMS). Funds will support SAMS initiative to expand psychosocial services that help Syrian refugees at the Zaatari camp in Jordan heal and cope with the effects of trauma.

Fasting 5K has raised more than $80,000 to date for child and youth charities. Detroit area participants are excited to join the movement and give back to the city through the Fasting 5K Detroit. The event will kick off at 7:30 p.m. at Muslim Community of Western Suburbs (MCWS) located at 40440 Palmer Rd. in Canton.

For more information, please contact:

Amna Kamal
amnakamal786@hotmail.com

Jabeen Siddiqui Hamzavi
jabeen333@gmail.com

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