Earlier this year, Russia launched a large-scale military operation on neighboring Ukraine, invading the country on several fronts. To escape the devastating events taking place, millions of Ukrainians have fled to cities in the west or other countries altogether. This daunting experience has left many Ukrainian families traveling for days without food.

Join the Massachusetts Student Dietetic Association (MSDA) on a 5K fundraiser for World Central Kitchen's (WCK) Ukraine support program. WCK is a not-for-profit non-governmental organization devoted to providing meals in the wake of disasters. Working at a 24-hour pedestrian border crossing in southern Poland, WCK began serving hot, nourishing meals within hours of the initial invasion in Ukraine. They are now serving round-the-clock dishes at eight border crossings across the country. Additionally, WCK is supporting local restaurants preparing meals in cities across Ukraine including in Odessa, Lviv, and Kyiv.

Registration for the 5K is $10.00, and 100% of money fundraised will go directly to support WCK's work in Ukraine. You can register directly through the MAND website.

This event will have both in-person and virtual options. The in-person event will take place on April 23rd, at 11am at the Boston Commons. We will send exact location details to those who register. The virtual option will be through Strava, the social media app for movement activities. If participating in the virtual option, you can choose to complete your 5K anywhere, at any time on any day between April 22nd to the 24th! We strongly recommend for all participants to log their run on Strava, even if they are participating in the in-person event.

Follow the instructions below to have your run and pictures posted on our Strava page:

1. Download the phone app for Strava
2. In the 'groups' tab (fourth one from left to right), search 'MSDA'
3. Join the club
4. Join the MSDA 5K Fundraiser
5. On the event day, share your run and pictures on the club's Strava event! Connect with other club members in support of WCK's work in Ukraine