5k RUN, Christian Church, Christian faith, registered charity, Stamford Hill,
Monday 20th June 2011
The 50 runners who took part in this year’s Do It for Charity – 5k RUN to help with the restoration of the former National cinema building in Kilburn succeeded in raising £12,727.54. This figure is likely to rise as some runners are still collecting pledged donations.
Their aim was to raise funds and contribute to phase 1 of a major refurbishment project and urgent repairs. Built by Edward A Stone in 1914, and easily recognised by its distinctive dome, The National was the largest cinema in Europe in its day, with seating for an audience of 2,028.
It now serves as a UCKG HelpCentre, which is a Pentecostal church and registered charity that helps all-comers, through a wide range of community outreach activities plus daily public services of prayer, and a training centre providing ESOL, CLAIT, ITQ and internet and new technologies courses. Around 1230 local people now use the HelpCentre each week, regardless of race, gender, age, religion or any other factor.
Among the runners was Ayden Alison, an active member of UCKG’s Kilburn Youth Group. The 22-year-old said: “Taking part in the 5km run was really exciting. As a member of the Kilburn branch, I felt privileged to be supporting my church and I can’t wait for the works to be finished and see what it will all look like.”
Riana Ulume, who came over from UCKG’s Stamford Hill branch to participate added: “This 5k run was hard but very refreshing for my spirit and my health. I just couldn’t let down my Kilburn friends. They deserve a refurbished HelpCentre that will provide them and the local community with practical assistance for life’s challenges.”
The UCKG’s Kilburn Youth Group is currently helping over 120 young men and women through sporting and musical activities and by encouraging them to achieve their full potential as individuals and at work.
Marco Andrade UCKG HelpCentre’s fundraising coordinator commented: “The enthusiasm of our younger members is a real inspiration. We have a long way to go to bring our Kilburn HelpCentre up to the high standard we seek but we will get there little by little, especially with such keen young people taking part.
Note to editors
For more information about works to the former National – now UCKG’s Kilburn HelpCentre please call us on 020 7686 6006 ext 6140, or email fundraising@uckgnew.org.
UCKG is a Christian church and registered charity that offers a range of practical support activities alongside spiritual support and comfort. It reached the UK in 1995 and has gone from strength to strength, providing support and spreading the Christian faith. There are 39 UCKG HelpCentre branches in England and Wales.
For further information please contact Jenny Walton or Emma Cox at The Remarkable Group, tel 01962 893 893 or 07867 510 909.
