Most people have heard of the Special Olympics, but do you know about the Special Olympics World Games? They just took place this past March 14-21 in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. This multi-sport event for athletes with intellectual disabilities is no small gig- check out these numbers:
7,000+ Athletes
170+ Countries Represented
2,500 Coaches
20,000 Volunteers
3,000 Honored Guests
500,000+ Spectators
….making this the largest international sporting and humanitarian event of the year!
In 2012, RunningWorks began as a way to use running to reach out to the homeless community and encourage them to rediscover the value of hard work, determination and self-respect.
While running remains central to the organization, RunningWorks has expanded its scope to include the ultimate goal of finding permanent housing for its participants.
“At our core it’s still about the health and wellness component,” said RunningWorks Chief Operating Officer Matt Sharp. “Running and physical fitness, motion and just getting out and building relationships during that time allows us to understand what the needs of these individuals are. Sometimes it’s mental wellness, or finding jobs, or transportation, or even housing.”
DO GOOD Week 2019 may be over, but the need for volunteers is constant.
Eight brave SHARE Charlotte nonprofit partners took a spin in the DO GOOD Truck with FOX46's Jason Harper to share what they do and how you can give your time to help them. Check out the short clips for a quick taste, and the full length videos for a GOOD laugh.
First up was SHARE Charlotte's very own Marketing Ninja, Caroline Miller! (For the full length version of this video, click here!)
Passport and Project Scientist Connect for STEM Education in Charlotte
Charlotte-based mobility management company Passport hosted its first-ever "Connect for Charity" Connect Four tournament Sunday, April 7 at Triple C Brewing Company. The fundraiser netted $45,000 for SHARE Charlotte partner Project Scientist, a nonprofit committed to exposing a diverse population of young girls to a high-quality STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) academy.
Each month, SHARE Charlotte refocuses it's Spotlight Series on a different cause or issue effecting our city and shines a light on our nonprofit partners who work within that sector to strengthen Charlotte. The first step to driving out darkness is to shine a light on it, and our Spotlight Series aims to do just that while also showcasing which of our nonprofit partners are doing the hard work that will lead to a more informed, compassionate, and welcoming city.
Frances Hall left her hometown of Miami when she was just 21. Widowed, the young mom of four moved to Charlotte for a new start for her family and the desire to care for those around her.
“When I first came to Charlotte you saw the trees and the churches and it’s changed so much,” Hall said. “I understand progress but you don’t have to stop caring about your brothers and sisters.”
Caring is something Hall has done for her community for many years now.
Volunteering Remotely Is A Real Thing. Here’s How. Written by Amy Andrews
Do you want to make a difference but don’t see how you can fit it volunteering? Maybe you haven’t pursued opportunities because you travel for work or only have free moments late at night after your kids are in bed. Well, here’s a little known gem - you can volunteer from home. Yes, you read that correctly - make an impact in your community from home.
With just a quick search of the “Work From Anywhere” filter on dogoodweekclt.org, you can see a whole slew of options that you can do from the comfort of your couch!
Here are just a few of the organizations you could help now without ever having to leave your living room:
SHAREable: 9 Unique Ways for Teens to Give Their Time
Let’s face it- service hours can sometimes feel like that thing you “have to do” with your free time, instead of that thing you are looking forward to doing in your spare time. But, what if you used your service hours as a time to explore your own interests and strengthen your skill set while doing GOOD? Sounds like a win-win to us.
Check out these local nonprofits below that offer unique and creative ways for teens to fulfill service hours! Like what you see? Please SHARE these opportunities with others!
Don’t see an opportunity that is perfect for you? Fear not- there are hundreds more to choose from at dogoodweekclt.org.
We have so much great news to share from our nonprofit partners about their amazing work. But, we'd love to hear from you. Let us know if you have stories you'd like to tell and we'll make you a guest blogger!!
Four tournament Sunday, April 7 at Triple C Brewing Company. The fundraiser netted $45,000 for SHARE Charlotte partner 
“When I first came to Charlotte you saw the trees and the churches and it’s changed so much,” Hall said. “I understand progress but you don’t have to stop caring about your brothers and sisters.”
