Award of €10k to community integration initiative which focuses on solidarity with refugees The Global Solidarity Run to take place on October 11th worldwide Sanctuary Runners plan to attract participants from over 100-countries The Sanctuary Runners was today (May 29th) awarded a grant of €10k for their Global Solidarity Run initiative at the Department of Foreign
The Sanctuary Runners was today (May 29th) awarded a grant of €10k for their Global Solidarity Run initiative at the Department of Foreign Affairs’ ‘Communicating Europe’ Awards.
The Awards provide funding to civil society groups and organisations to deepen public awareness of the European Union; and as Ireland will host the presidency of the European Council in the second half of 2026 there was praise for the Global Solidarity Run concept and other successful applications for grant funding.
“I want to congratulate every successful applicant for helping to ensure our EU Presidency is something people can see, feel and participate in. These organisations will spark conversations, strengthen European connections and showcase the very best of Ireland on a European stage. This is about giving people a real sense of ownership, pride and participation in Ireland’s EU Presidency,” said Minister for Foreign Affairs Helen McEntee.
The Global Solidarity Run, now in its third year, is a project initiated, and operated, by the Sanctuary Runners with the support of Irish Aid, the European Commission Representation in Ireland and the Ireland Funds.
Accepting the award of funding on behalf of the Sanctuary Runners it’s CEO Anna Pringle said this year’s event will have added weight because of Ireland’s EU Presidency role.
“On October 11th we will hold runs and walks in over 100 countries across the world. From refugee camps in Kenya to islands in the Pacific where climate change is threatening human existence and Palestine and Ukraine where constant bombardment robs families of their loved ones every day. Across Europe also we will use our runs to highlight the struggles of people fleeing conflict, poverty and disease – so many of whom will attend our runs on October 11th. People who see in Europe a chance to be safe and start again.”
She also said a major Global Solidarity Run event to take place on the Sport Ireland complex in Dublin on Sunday, October 11th would highlight the great potential for Ireland to lead the European Union in making sure its commitments to humanitarianism within member states, the safe protection of refugees and minorities, and the upholding of international law are always protected.
“Many of the values of the European Union are our values, especially in terms of human dignity, freedom, democracy, equality, rule of law and human rights. But good values must always translate into good policy, otherwise they are just words, both at member state and union level. As the Minister said at the announcement today we can always find better ways to connect people for the good of all in our communities,” she said.
