Tuscaloosa Third-Grader Organizes 'Race For Peace' To Benefit Ukrainian Children

TUSCALOOSA, AL — As Russia's bloody and devastating war against Ukraine rages on, one local elementary school student is rallying his school to raise money for the children who have been impacted by the fighting

Click here to subscribe to our free Tuscaloosa Daily newsletter and breaking news alerts

Tuscaloosa Magnet Schools — Elementary third grader Henry Hawley, a student in Robert Ray's class, has organized a one-mile fun run/walking event on Saturday, April 23 at the Tuscaloosa Riverwalk, with the goal of collecting donations for Save the Children's Ukraine Relief Fund.

TMSE says the fund provides immediate aid for displaced families, including food, water, hygiene kits, psychosocial support, and cash assistance.

In the announcement, Henry said he came up with the idea for a race fundraiser as a way to bring people together for fun and exercise, all while doing something good for others, especially children.

"I heard my parents talking about the conflict in Ukraine, and I realized children there needed help," he said. "I don't agree with what Russia is doing; they should not target civilians. I thought about how scared I would be in their position. I wanted to provide clothes, shoes, food, shelter, and medicine. When I thought of how they had to leave their homes, I realized they needed a lot of things. The Race for Peace was something I could do to bring them hope."

Registration will begin at 8 a.m. at the former landing for The Bama Belle and will begin at 8:30 a.m.. The run/walk will then head to the Tuscaloosa River Market, before returning to the landing site.

Unable to make it to the race that day? No problem.

Those interested can still donate to the cause by clicking here.

Have a news tip or suggestion on how I can improve Tuscaloosa Patch? Maybe you're interested in having your business become one of the latest sponsors for Tuscaloosa Patch? Email all inquiries to me at ryan.phillips@patch.com.