“We always keep the picture of our foster child on the fridge” says Sterling. “It helps to remind us that the rest of the world isn’t always as lucky as we are.”

This Christmas, Maddy and Sara learned about one of Plan’s projects to build a school residence in Tanzania, so that girls can safely attend school. They decided that they had to do something about it, and Markham Women’s 5k and Girls 1k was born.

The run will be held on Mother’s Day 2010 (May 9) and is a women’s only event to encourage mothers and daughters (and grandmothers, and sisters, and friends…) to get involved to support girls’ rights and safety internationally. Their message?

“I know I run like a girl…try to keep up!”

All proceeds will go towards building the residence for girls in Tanzania.

Sara and Maddy want to use this as a learning experience for themselves as well, so they can continue to be advocates for the Because I am a Girl Campaign. Once they’ve finished fundraising, they’re planning to travel to Tanzania to see the finished residence and learn more about the lives of the girls who will live there.

Stay tuned for more race information and details about Sara and Maddy’s experiences in Tanzania.  And get out your running shoes!