By Robert Hudson

The Selma Times-Journal

A local group is preparing to give Selma residents a chance to have fun and help save lives in the process.

Integrity Worldwide will hold its second annual 5k and Fun Run for Kenya on Saturday, Oct. 1 at Bloch Park at 9 a.m.

Integrity Worldwide executive director Alan Hicks Jr. said the purpose of the event is to help feed those in the East African nation, which is currently suffering its worst drought in 60 years.

“What we’re doing for this race, all the proceeds will go to help the drought victims,” Hicks said. “What we’re doing right now is, one of the schools there has about 700 students, we’re providing school lunches for them because they don’t have food due to the drought.”

In the city in Kenya where they’re based, Integrity Worldwide provides the school with beans, corn and rice for school lunches.

Hicks said the hope is for the upcoming race to collect enough funds to provide meals long term.

“We hope, with the money that we raise from the race, to provide meals for the school for an entire year,” Hicks said. “That would help thousands of people.”

Hicks said any participant would not only be benefiting themselves, they’d also be benefiting someone less fortunate. “It’s a really cool thing … they’ll get a free T-shirt, water bottle, we’re going to have a bunch of prizes and free food,” Hicks said. “So, it’s fun, but with the proceeds from one registration, we can feed about 200 people. You get to do something for yourself that’s fun, healthy, and you can win prizes, but you also get to help people at the same time.”

The 5k is open to all age groups. Registration is $25 for adults and $15 for children under 12 years old.