In an effort to bring awareness to Child Abuse Prevention Month, Calesa Township and Kimberly’s Center for Child Protection are teaming up on Saturday, April 29 to host the 11th Annual 5K Race/Walk Against Child Abuse.
The 5K event aims to raise funds to support the programs and services for children in Marion County who are suffering from the trauma of abuse and neglect. The race/walk will begin and end at the newly opened Ina A. Colen Academy, which is located at 5080 SW 66th Court Road in Ocala.
Over the past decade, runners and walkers in Marion County have participated in the 5K event to join in the fight against child abuse, which affects one in four children. Kimberly’s Center provides services to around 1,400 children in Marion County, out of the approximately 4,000 suspected child abuse and neglect cases that are reported each year, according to the nonprofit organization.
Residents can click here to sign up for the 5K Race/Walk, and there is a cost of $30 per adult and $10 per child (under 10 years of age) to participate. The day of registration and packet pickup is at 7 a.m. on Saturday, and the 5K will begin at 8 a.m.
For more information, visit the Kimberly’s Center for Child Protection website.