Futures For Kids began in 2008 on behalf of the listed and cleared derivatives industry as a way to give something back. At its founding, the organization set an ambitious goal: raise £3.0 million to benefit to disadvantaged young people around the world.
Now, Futures For Kids is on the verge of achieving that goal with about £2.8 million raised over the last 10 years or so. But the organization continues to create new ways to give back, and is still running with new ideas -- quite literally.
The second annual FFK Fun Run is scheduled for June 13 at the iconic Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park in London. After an inaugural event in 2018 that drew almost 160 runners and eight sponsors, raising £23,000 for the charity, organizers are hoping to more double the size of the Fun Run in 2019 with a target of at least 300 runners.
The funds raised to date by FFK have helped dozens of charities around the globe that help to provide opportunities for and improve the lives of disadvantaged children and young people, including: Leadership Through Sport and Business; WeSeeHope; EducAid; Kids in Kathmandu Nepal.
The 2019 Fun Run in June will feature Christine Ohuruogu, who won a gold medal in the women's 400 meters event at the 2012 Olympics in the very same park where the Fun Run will take place. Ohuruogu will present trophies to the event's winners, with awards that will include accolades for the best times but also for a "silly dress" category for individuals and teams that decide to take to the track in costume.
The 2019 FFK Fun Run will also introduce the Bernadette "Bernie" Connolly Challenge Cup, honoring FIA's longtime event organizer and Futures for Kids trustee who passed away in 2018 after a long illness.
"Bernie loved the industry, loved Futures For Kids and loved the Olympics," said Emma Davey, FIA’s senior vice president for global communications and chair of FFK board of trustees. "Typical of Bernie, she was an unpaid helper at the 2012 games so it's a fitting honor and tribute to her and the charities FIA supports."
Runners are asked to donate £20 each and will receive a FFK Fun Run T-shirt for their participation, and are invited to an after-party at the close of the race. Team sponsorship opportunities are also available. Register for the event here or find out more at futuresforkids.org.
